[cctalk] Re: Other input devices.

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I scrapped a similar Redactron mag card Selectric unit 30-odd years ago;
still have the card drives, shoulda kept the Selectric.

On Sat, Apr 13, 2024 at 3:47 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On 4/13/24 11:22, Michael Thompson via cctalk wrote:
> >>> On Apr 12, 2024, at 9:55 PM, ben via cctalk 
> >> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Did any one ever use a keyboard to magtape as input device?
> >>
> >> My wife did, sort of: for a while she worked with IBM MT/ST word
> >> processors.  Those were very early word processing systems that used a
> >> custom magnetic tape cartridge for storage and a Selectric typewriter
> for
> >> I/O.
>
> The mag card Selectric (MC/ST) was relatively popular also.
>
> --Chuck
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: WTB: Cromemco System Zero

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

While we're on the subject, a lot of folks (including the S100 site)
confuse Cromemco's System 1 (CS-1) with their Z-1; the Z-1 was the rebadged
IMSAI box while the CS-1 and CS-1H System Ones were Cromemco designs.

On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 1:06 PM Jonathan Chapman via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> > I had no idea they made a System Zero. I have a System One FWIW.
>
> Apparently a lot of folks, even those actively hacking on S-100 stuff,
> don't know about the System Zero! I've had a number of folks say as much.
> It's definitely a real product, I had a purchase lined up for one a few
> years ago, but the seller stopped responding to emails (I suspect someone
> else came in and bought everything). That seller had worked on integrating
> Cromemco hardware for industrial control usage, and had used a bunch of the
> System Zero boxes in his time for the purpose. The SCC with 3K Control
> BASIC plus whatever additional memory or I/O made for a compact little
> control box with industrial strength design, apparently.
>
> Thanks,
> Jonathan
>

[cctalk] Re: Cleanup time again

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Is there a manufacturer's equivalent number for an RX-1DB?

On Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 1:49 PM Bill Gunshannon via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

>
>
>
> In case it piques someone's interest, a number of the used disks
> in the SB style carriers are 9GB RX1DB's .  Even I had forgotten
> that any of them were that big.  Of course, the probably eliminates
> their use on a PDP or VAX but they are still Ultra Wide SCSI if you
> take them out of the box.  :-)
>
> bill
>

[cctalk] Signetics 3000KT8080SK bit slice 8080 emulator

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Any interest in one of these boards?
Complete except for U3, an empty 16 pin DIP socket.
With some kind of transition board attached from Zapsystems, a local
builder IIRC.

https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_signeticsdMicroprocessor_9921635/page/n43/mode/2up?view=theater

[cctalk] Re: Burroughs TD700

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Sorry about that; now that you mention it, I do recall you scanning
and posting the docs back then. Thanks!

I wonder if the fellow building one from scratch is aware of their existence...

So, it looks like some or all of it is going to you; I don't think
there's enough to put one back together anyway.

m


On Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 4:50 PM Nigel Williams
 wrote:
>
> On Mon, Dec 4, 2023 at 8:36 AM Mike Stein via cctalk
>  wrote:
> > ... including the
> > technical manual with schematics of the cards, so at least
> > documentation is out there somewhere (Tasmania, IIRC ;-)
>
> Shared from here since 2019...for those that missed it :-)
>
> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iihVNRfkd_zX_PwV30gKQTNLzLcnMEvm?usp=sharing

[cctalk] Re: Burroughs TD700

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I doubt it, Chris, but you never know; apparently there is someone out
there more or less building one from scratch.

I'm not even sure if I still have the display panel (or if it works).
I sold and gave away some parts three or four years ago, including the
technical manual with schematics of the cards, so at least
documentation is out there somewhere (Tasmania, IIRC ;-)

I'll let you know if I find the display; AFAIR it's an 8 line version.

For anyone else interested, I do have two power supply/logic cabinets
and the following cards:

16940801 P
16948051 C
16998650 D
16998692 H
16998734 J

Without the tech docs I have no idea what they are, but for anyone
needing one the info is out there.

Perhaps the person with the manuals will read this and come forward; I
don't believe they've been scanned.

m

On Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 3:08 PM Chris Coley  wrote:
>
> Why are you scrapping them?
> Are they generally complete?
>
> If there is enough to refurb into a unit I am interested.  I'm in Sequim, WA.
>
> Thanks
> Chris
>
>
> On Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 12:01 PM Mike Stein via cctalk  
> wrote:
>>
>> Do any of you three or four TD700 owners out there need any parts? I'm
>> about to scrap a couple (in the Toronto area).
>>
>> m

[cctalk] Burroughs TD700

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Do any of you three or four TD700 owners out there need any parts? I'm
about to scrap a couple (in the Toronto area).

m

[cctalk] Re: The World Wide Web

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I have to call it every time I misplace it in the house somewhere ;-) Never
in the fridge yet, so far...

Golden years, my derriere!

On Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 6:37 PM Rick Bensene via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Mike wrote:
> ...
> Gawd, I still remember those numbers, some 60 years later; so why can't I
> remember my thirty-year old cell phone number...
>
> Because you rarely, if ever, call it.  ;-)
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: The World Wide Web

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I remember making those lines, but they were more for a crash across the
room on the way from the 082 sorter to the 077 collator.

Gawd, I still remember those numbers, some 60 years later; so why can't I
remember my thirty-year old cell phone number...


On Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 3:15 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk 
wrote:

> > On Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 5:18 AM Stefan Skoglund via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >
> >> The main problem with that lorry hurtling down the freeway is
> latency.
> >>
> >> I need to move 1 PB . how long will it take filling and packing
> >> enough IBM LTO-9 tapes to send 1 PB ?
> >>
> >> How long does it takes to fill 1 tape with 18 TB ?
>
> On Mon, 2 Oct 2023, KenUnix via cctalk wrote:
> > Back it up to floppy diskettes.
> > HaHa. Sorry I could not resist.
>
> Far too unstable and prone to damage and data corruption.
> Use dead-tree technology of cards or paper tape.
> If you use cards, put diagonal sharpie marks on the decks, to facilitate
> visual re-ordering after the crash on the freeway.
>
> --
> Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com

[cctalk] Re: Good Inventory Program for keeping track of my DEC boards, parts, computers, etc?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

What do you find lacking in the spreadsheet? Which one, BTW?

On Mon, Aug 14, 2023 at 7:32 PM Mike Katz via cctalk 
wrote:

> I'm looking for a good inventory program to help me keep track of all of
> my PDP-8 stuff.
>
> I would like to keep track of physical location, board etch revision,
> board modification revision, bus type, where used, etc.
>
> If you have any good ideas, please let me know.
>
> I'm using a simple spreadsheet for now and it's not what I'm looking for.
>
> Thank you.
>

[cctalk] Re: Connecting MFM emulator as both 1st and 2nd drive in Microvax 2000?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Yup; I think I've got a couple of each type somewhere; don't recall who the
other ones were, but two are definitely Canon.

On Sun, Aug 13, 2023 at 3:22 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk 
wrote:

> >> Yes, absolutely.  One spindle motor, with a floppy hub on each end, and
> >> two heads on one voice coil positioner, one for each floppy.  I had one
> >> of those.  The performance improvement was VERY marginal.  I had to take
> >> out the solenoid that lifted the pad that loaded the media against the
> >> head, the timing of the head loading somehow was all wrong and allowed
> >> it to start writing before the pad had fully loaded.
>
> On Sun, 13 Aug 2023, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
> > Theoretically it could be done with only 2 motors--one spindle motor and
> > one positioner.  Probably not the best for performance, but doable.
>
> ISTR that one of the "Dual" 5.25" floppy drives worked that way.
> It might even have been Canon; there were two models, one with separate
> positioners, and one sharing a single positioner.
>
> --
> Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com

[cctalk] Re: Apple 1

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Ah, BBM memories...

My first paying programmer/operator job was on a B260 in the late 60s, the
first Burroughs minicomputer in Canada IIRC. Many years later, after trying
a few other careers including managing a large motorcycle dealership, I
wound up back with Burroughs doing contract programming for series L
machines, B1800s and B80 & 90s, cross-compiling on a B2700 at night when I
had it all to myself. I too had lots of disk cartridges, cassettes, mag
tapes and even punched cards and tapes, many pretty rare today, that I
threw out before I realized that there were actually folks interested in
that old 'junk'.

Still have the operator console from that B2700 though...

On Sat, Aug 5, 2023 at 8:04 PM Alan Perry via cctalk 
wrote:

>
> My holy grail is a Burroughs B1965. I was one of the last people at
> Burroughs (Unisys at that point) fixing bugs in the system software on
> B1000 (the only one in the Lake Forest, CA office; all of the sys admins
> knew of the B1965 there as "my" machine.). My office was filled with
> B1000 removable disk packs (different versions of the OS and release
> management of the software packages I owned). I loved working with that
> machine.
>
> I have boot and maintenance cassettes and a disk pack that I picked up
> on eBay. I should have taken and preserved more stuff before I left.
>
> On 8/5/23 4:30 PM, John Herron via cctalk wrote:
> > For no personally good reason other than the stigma (and technically
> > incorrect) being the first PC, the Altair 8800 is my holy Grail.  Some
> day
> > I'd like to have a real one but they increase in value at the same rate
> as
> > my income lol so not likely going to happen. It's a neat system though
> and
> > like a lot of people I like blinken lights and flip switches. Still feels
> > science fantasy to me.
> >
> > Less systems being around makes all of these popular systems go up in
> price
> > with supply and demand. Not sure what would make the market go down
> unless
> > hundreds were found somewhere and flooded the market. But it's
> interesting
> > as less kids would have heard of any of these systems so maybe history
> > becomes less interesting and valuable at some point?
> >
> > On Sat, Aug 5, 2023, 6:21 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> On 8/5/23 15:58, b...@techtimetraveller.com wrote:
> >>> Do you have an emotional attachment to it?  I just saw one sell on ebay
> >> yesterday for $6100.  An e-recycler will have a nice payday on your
> >> Altair.
> >> No real attachment; it was a useful tool for a time.  It took an entire
> >> weekend with coffee and little sleep to assemble it.  And those really
> >> awful cheap white wires...
> >>
> >> I'd have to pull it off the shelf, clean it up and get it working again.
> >>   That's not trivial and I have better uses for my time.
> >>
> >> --Chuck
> >>
> >>
> >>
>

[cctalk] Re: Apple 1

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

As a matter of fact a local friend, Josh Bensadon, restored their MCM/70
for the York U museum in Toronto

On Sat, Aug 5, 2023 at 7:37 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk 
wrote:

> On 8/5/23 16:30, John Herron wrote:
> > For no personally good reason other than the stigma (and technically
> > incorrect) being the first PC, the Altair 8800 is my holy Grail.  Some
> > day I'd like to have a real one but they increase in value at the same
> > rate as my income lol so not likely going to happen. It's a neat system
> > though and like a lot of people I like blinken lights and flip switches.
> > Still feels science fantasy to me.
>
> If I weren't old and if I were a collector, I'd be going after an MCM/70
> as my target.  8008 CPU, APL and pretty darned close to the first
> mobile-capable PC.
>
> Gotta love them Canadians!
>
> --Chuck
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Apple 1

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Yup!

There's one in the local University's museum, and the curator even wrote a
book about its interesting history.

On Sat, Aug 5, 2023 at 7:37 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk 
wrote:

> On 8/5/23 16:30, John Herron wrote:
> > For no personally good reason other than the stigma (and technically
> > incorrect) being the first PC, the Altair 8800 is my holy Grail.  Some
> > day I'd like to have a real one but they increase in value at the same
> > rate as my income lol so not likely going to happen. It's a neat system
> > though and like a lot of people I like blinken lights and flip switches.
> > Still feels science fantasy to me.
>
> If I weren't old and if I were a collector, I'd be going after an MCM/70
> as my target.  8008 CPU, APL and pretty darned close to the first
> mobile-capable PC.
>
> Gotta love them Canadians!
>
> --Chuck
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: VCF this weekend, any one up for a trade?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Too far away to make shipping practical, but I'm curious: what's the
experiment about?

Glad you're happy with the PC-5000 etc.; no interest in the monitor I take
it?

m

On Fri, Aug 4, 2023 at 1:19 AM Steve Lewis via cctalk 
wrote:

> I can't make it to VCF this weekend - though I'm hoping to make it to the
> one in September.
>
> I actually am looking for something: any working IEC device for a C64 (1541
> drive, printer, plotter?).   More for an experiment than collection, but do
> prefer clean and presentable.
>
>
> Earlier this year, I reached someone with a working Poly-88.  But then in
> March they reported health issues and hospital stays, so I haven't heard
> since.  Would be interested if anyone else is aware of a still-working one.
>
> We're still working on recovery of an IBM 5100 "launch title" tape
> (analytic functions) - practicing with other tapes first.  Its 2-channel
> deal so far isn't quite that straightforward.  But if the Tektronics folks
> can do it with their QIC tapes, I'm somewhat hopeful we can too (although
> late 70s/early 80s Tektronic is apparently a more proper IEEE-488).
>
> Only thing I could offer right now is a fairly not-working 5110 (display
> don't work, PSU don't work, cards don't work - but the case is pristine).
>
> -Steve
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 3, 2023 at 8:49 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> wrote:
>
> > >> I did not get any of whatever mailings there were.
> > >>
> > >> I don't exhibit, but I do have an excessive amount of stuff to sort
> and
> > >> pack for sale and giveaway.
> > >> --
> > >> Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com
> >
> >
> > On Thu, 3 Aug 2023, Sellam Abraham via cctalk wrote:
> > > We'll just have to organize a VCF Fred at some point.  That way, they
> > come
> > > to you.
> > >
> > > I mean, after all, that's why I started the VCF ;)
> >
> > Yes, but you handed it over to a swell bunch of people before I finished
> > parting with my stuff!
> >
> > --
> > Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com
> >
>

[cctalk] Re: 1974 No Name Terminal

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Conrac mainly made CRT monitor assemblies, so the actual terminal was quite
possibly made by someone else.

It looks vaguely familiar; I'm surprised no one's recognized it.

m

On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 6:13 PM Brad H via cctalk 
wrote:

> Thanks Rod!
>
> I discovered an immediate problem I hadn't caught before.. two of the
> trimmer resistors had actually been broken right off two of their legs.. so
> that may account for strange/missing voltages.   They are a CONRAC part
> 928237.  The CRT is CONRAC too, but I still don't think this is a CONRAC
> terminal.  Anyway, I only found one source for the exact resistor, an
> aerospace company, and they want $80 per unit (I think they just want me to
> go away).
>
> So far in testing I haven't found any shorts.  My main worry is the PSU
> sending incorrect voltages to wrong place.  In addition to the broken
> resistors I also discovered some broken solder joints on the PSU PCB..
> those at least are repaired.  I'm trying to figure out the resistance the
> two resistors were set to so I can put a replacement in with same,
> hopefully that gets me close to what should be there.
>
> Brad
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Rod Smallwood via cctalk 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 8:48 AM
> To: Douglas Taylor via cctalk 
> Cc: Rod Smallwood 
> Subject: [cctalk] Re: 1974 No Name Terminal
>
> I worked on VDU's as an engineer in the UK before joining DEC to sell
> volume VT100's in 1975
>
> There's a mention of block on one of the cards so a block mode terminal.
>
> That means enter data and press a key to send the lot.
>
> The card cage could mean its emulating something.
>
> I'd test as many capacitors as possible. PSU first and replace as required.
>
> Run PSU and check voltages.
>
>   Check each board for power rail to ground shorts.
>
>   If ok give each board +5v on its own and see if the TTL is alive.
>
> If theres a clock gen start there (look for a crystal can)
>
>   Loads of fans might indicate an industrial environment
>
>At this age some TTL will have failed plus capacitors.
>
>   Rod Smallwood
>
>
> On 05/07/2023 16:28, Douglas Taylor via cctalk wrote:
> > At first glance it reminded me of the Hazeltine 1000, I owned one in
> > the early 1980's.  Brutally simple terminals, I remember getting a ROM
> > from Jameco which allowed the terminal to display lowercase letters.
> > Pure luxury.
> > Doug
> >
> > On 7/4/2023 6:57 PM, Brad H via cctalk wrote:
> >> Hi there - not sure how much overlap there is with vcfed's forum, but
> >> thought I would reach out here in case.  I have a terminal from 1974
> >> (based on date codes I've found on the motherboard).  I'm unable to
> >> determine manufacturer and that would be handy for diagnostic
> >> purposes. The terminal casing is made out of foam, and although there
> >> are some serial numbers stamped around, nothing really lines up.  The
> >> fans inside have zero dust or dirt, so I'm thinking this may not have
> >> seen much use, or may be a prototype or pilot for something.  It does
> >> have RS232 capability. Interestingly the screen is set down below the
> >> keyboard so that only half of it is visible.
> >>
> >>
> >> My main issue right now is the PSU - I am trying to determine if I'm
> >> safe to attempt powering up the board (the PSU so far seems to be ok,
> >> although some voltages on a couple of pins are mysterious).
> >>
> >>
> >> Anyway, on the extremely off chance anyone has ever seen one of these
> >> or something like it.. any tips would be appreciated. If I can find a
> >> manual I'll feel a lot safer about turning it on.
> >>
> >>
> >> Some pics here:
> >> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-2uEFbi3OKBYr06y6yHnygDiLMtw2
> >> Qkj?usp
> >>
> >> =sharing
> >>
> >>
> >> Brad
> >>
> >> b...@techtimetraveller.com
> >>
> >>
> >
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Source for NEW (unused) punch tape

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

You recall correctly; I ran a 101 with my Commodore PET for several years
and it did indeed use 1" 8 channel paper tape for vertical form control.
Side note: because of its size and noise it was in the basement, connected
to the PET in the upstairs office with a ~40 foot ribbon cable, contrary to
official length limits.

m

On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 1:46 PM Nigel Johnson Ham via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> IIRC the Centronics 101 printers did this.   It was for vertical spacing
> - you could put different loops in for different form lengths.
>
> I used to service them (mostly replacing heads) but never operated :-)
>
> cheers,
>
> Nigel
>
>
>
> On 2023-06-08 13:18, Adrian Godwin via cctalk wrote:
> > On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 6:01 PM Paul Koning
> wrote:
> >
> >> I wonder if mylar tape for punching could be found, or made.  That was
> >> seen occasionally, for applications where a tape needed to be read many
> >> times.  An OS binary tape might want that.  I also remember seeing it
> on a
> >> machine in my father's lab, where it contained correction factors for a
> >> piece of precision machinery.
> >>
> > I've seen mylar tape used in a tiny loop where it controlled the
> movements
> > of a printer platen. I don't recall now whether it was used for
> horizontal
> > or vertical space - my recollection was the latter but it was a long time
> > ago.
> >
> > I don't know why it wasn't controlled by ASCII - a good bit of the
> > character set is dedicated to print head control. I think a different
> tape
> > had to be installed to match the program that was being run. The machine
> > was used for accountancy in about 1975, It was a bit like a large LA120
> > (but included the calculating part) and made by the french Logabax
> company.
> >
> > I worked in a manufacturing plant around 1985 where the (new)
> > pick-and-place machine was controlled by a paper tape. The tape was
> punched
> > on an ASR33 or similar. It seemed like an obsolete solution even though
> > only just installed. I bought a very nice surplus Facit tape punch from a
> > classified ad in Wireless World, built a serial to parallel interface and
> > allowed the machine programmer to create the source on a word processor
> > (which was our manufactured product) instead.
>
> --
> Nigel Johnson, MSc., MIEEE, MCSE VE3ID/G4AJQ/VA3MCU
> Amateur Radio, the origin of the open-source concept!
> Skype:  TILBURY2591
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Getting floppy images to/from real floppy disks.

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I realize he's a bit eccentric, (even more so than many of us ;-) ), but I
think we're being a little hard on Tony, especially considering the many
contributions he's made to our hobby over the years with reverse-engineered
schematics and other obscure documentation.

If there weren't so much water between us I'd happily drop off a small
form-factor vintage PC that'd probably serve to extract/archive/whatever
numerous diskette formats with the various format conversion programs of
the day.

But it sounds like he'll explore one of the flux-transition gizmos; good
luck, Tony, and I hope you enjoy the experience!

m

On Tue, May 23, 2023 at 9:21 AM Paul Koning via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

>
>
> > On May 23, 2023, at 5:41 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >
> > On Mon, May 22, 2023 at 5:25 PM j...@cimmeri.com  wrote:
> >>
> >> On 5/22/2023 5:38 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk wrote:
> > I hereby formally retract my erroneous suggestion of a "386 98,SP2
> desktop
> > with floppies and USB", and replace my suggestion with:
> > "a PC with USB and floppies", and let Tony decide what vintage to
> use.
>  Fully concur. If it were me, I'd probably suggest some box with from
>  the end of the era which came with an onboard floppy controller, and
>  dual-boot 98SE and some old Linux that can handle such a thing, like
>  Slackware or Debian. That would cover the most bases.
> >>> I am sorry, but I think this is a stupid suggestion for many reasons.
> >>
> >>
> >> It is, however, a viable suggestion, and that is better than none :)
> >
> > I do seriously wonder why nobody has been suggesting the
> > flux-transition type of device. If it can be got to work then it would
> > seem the ideal solution in that it can handle anything the disk drive
> > [1] can handle, including non FM/MFM formats.
>
> Sure it is likely to work.  But the point of the other suggestions, such
> as the one I wrote saying just to use a stock floppy drive, is that it
> offers another option that is easy.  It would also be a particularly
> convenient choice for anyone who already has such a system sitting in the
> closet, or can get his hands on one easily.
>
> While those flux widgets have at times tempted me, I haven't had a
> requirement for one yet, and unless at some point in the future I do,
> chances are I'll just stick with my existing off the shelf PC.
>
> paul
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: The World Wide Web

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I think you might be surprised by how many people still have to use
dial-up; at my cottage there is no cable service and high-speed fibre is
finally just being installed this year as the area becomes more populous.
Cell coverage is spotty, so a local hotspot is not always available or
reliable and also not very fast, and satellite/microwave access is not
affordable for everyone.

m

On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 4:48 PM Tony Jones via cctalk 
wrote:

> On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 1:31 PM ben via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
> >
> > True, until the last few years, I was on dial up speeds.
> >
>
> I think you may be an outlier ;-)
>

[cctalk] Re: The World Wide Web

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Toll-free dial-up and the landline were very handy at my cottage, where the
only moderately high-speed option was expensive satellite or microwave
access.

I also worked from home at the cottage; fortunately it only involved
text-only remote access which also worked remarkably well at 56K; large
file transfers (off-line backups etc.) ran at night.

m

On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 4:41 PM Liam Proven via cctalk 
wrote:

> On Fri, 5 May 2023 at 21:26, Mike Stein via cctalk
>  wrote:
> >
> > No doubt many folks do have a need for speed but FWIW I get by fine with
> 6
> > Mbps D/L speed, streaming Youtube and local cable channels, browsing the
> > web, email & fora, etc.;
>
> ... wow.
>
> I had 500Mb/s for ~CzK 1000/mth in Prague. Ballpark ₤30.
>
> Here in the Isle of Man I'm on 100Mb/s and it's a moderate pain. But
> for my 1st 2 months here, I had only 16Mb/s at my mum's, and it was
> horrible.
>
>
> > I've also got a fall-back 56K toll-free dial-up
> > option which is still good for email and messaging when broadband is not
> > available.
>
> I kept a POTS modem around for years but after 2002 or so, it just
> didn't seem worth it. Even from 512kb/s, dropping an order of
> magnitude felt like not being online at all. By the time I was on a
> few megabits/sec I mothballed the dialup  device.
>
> I haven't had a landline since 2014 now.
>
>
>
> --
> Liam Proven ~ Profile: https://about.me/liamproven
> Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk ~ gMail/gTalk/FB: lpro...@gmail.com
> Twitter/LinkedIn: lproven ~ Skype: liamproven
> IoM: (+44) 7624 277612: UK: (+44) 7939-087884
> Czech [+ WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal]: (+420) 702-829-053
>

[cctalk] Re: The World Wide Web

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

The local cable channels here are served over ethernet and that works fine
for me at 6 Mbps, with only a very occasional hiccup.

m

On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 4:22 PM Tony Jones via cctalk 
wrote:

> On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 1:06 PM Bill Gunshannon via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> >
> > Downloading the latest FreeBSD ISO in less than a week?   :-)
> >
>
> I took the question as more "why do you need a gigabit"?
>
> Comcast had kept slowly bumping us up over the term of several contracts,
> from 600mbit to 1200mbit and as I said, I use the speed mostly for work.
>
> We just cut the knot and got rid of cable TV but I'm pretty sure Netflix
> says one 4K stream requires less than 25mbit/sec.
>

[cctalk] Re: The World Wide Web

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

No doubt many folks do have a need for speed but FWIW I get by fine with 6
Mbps D/L speed, streaming Youtube and local cable channels, browsing the
web, email & fora, etc.; I've also got a fall-back 56K toll-free dial-up
option which is still good for email and messaging when broadband is not
available.

Occasionally a bit more speed would be nice when downloading a particularly
large file, but that's a good excuse to get up & stretch my legs, make a
coffee or tea, or just sit outside getting some sun and fresh air.

The best part is that together with my cell phone it only costs me C$ 50/mo.

m

On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 3:03 PM Tony Jones via cctalk 
wrote:

> On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 10:59 AM ben via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
> > On 2023-05-04 2:31 p.m., Mike Katz via cctalk wrote:
> > the router. Other than Netflix or Multiplayer games, what is really high
> > speed internet needed for?
> > Ben.
> >
>
> I do development that involves pulling large SCS trees, lots of fetching of
> rpms and isos.  It's nice to have the bandwidth.
>
> Also bandwidth != latency ("multiplayer games").
>

[cctalk] Re: ATA-3 50-pin IDE

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

How about this?

http://www.cablesonline.com/slnocd50pinj.html

m

On Sun, Mar 26, 2023 at 4:33 PM Steve Lewis via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Picture is on the VCF discussion here:
>
> 50-pin ATA to 44-pin ATA conversion options | Vintage Computer Federation
> Forums (vcfed.org)
> <
> https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/50-pin-ata-to-44-pin-ata-conversion-options.1242427/#post-1307018
> >
>
> https://forum.vcfed.org/index.php?threads/50-pin-ata-to-44-pin-ata-conversion-options.1242427/#post-1307018
>
>
> I could be wrong, maybe it is a SCSI interface.
>
>
>
> On Sun, Mar 26, 2023 at 3:22 PM Wayne S via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
> > Can you post a picture somewhere?
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > > On Mar 26, 2023, at 13:20, Paul Berger via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I have seen lots of laptop drives that would fit a 50 pin connector
> > that is about 2mm pitch  Looking at the back of the drive from the left
> > there are 44 pins in a group then 2 pins missing and the remaining 4 are
> > for selecting master and slave.
> > >
> > > Paul.
> > >
> > >> On 2023-03-26 4:33 p.m., Steve Lewis via cctalk wrote:
> > >> Is anyone familiar with the 50-pin IDE interface, which I think is
> > called
> > >> ATA-3?  It is from around 1997-2002.   Normally IDE is 40-pin, or in
> > >> laptops might be a 44-pin.
> > >>
> > >> But in a COMPAQ Presario 1220, I've come across its hard drive that is
> > >> using this 50-pin interface (two rows of 25-pin that are quite
> > >> small/tightly spaced - moreso than even PCMCIA).
> > >>
> > >> I believe it is different (electrically) than the 1.8" 50-pin
> > interface.  I
> > >> ordered a CF-to-50-pin adapter that is intended for those 1.8" drives,
> > and
> > >> it won't work on this ATA-2 port (system won't boot with it inserted).
> > >> However, all my CF cards are larger than 2GB - so I'm not sure if that
> > was
> > >> the issue (don't think so, I think even with 8GB or larger it would
> > still
> > >> at least try to boot).
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> The 2GB drive in this Presario (with the "weird' 50-pin IDE) contains
> > >> Windows ME and Office 2000.  That's cute, but I'm not so interested in
> > that
> > >> - I was hoping to image that drive for archive, then install something
> > else
> > >> (OS2).  But I can't find any "ATA-3 to normal 40-pin IDE" adapter.
> > >>
> > >> I think the "6 extra pins" on this 50-pin (relative to normal 44-pin
> > laptop
> > >> drives of those days) -- 2 of those pins (5-6) aren't used (maybe a
> > kind of
> > >> key) and the 4 others (1-4) are vendor specific.  So I may just be out
> > of
> > >> luck here in upgrading or replacing this drive with a more modern
> > >> solution.  But wanted to run it by the crew here before giving up.
> > >>
> > >> Thanks,
> > >>
> > >> -Steve / v*
> >
>

[cctalk] Re: Looking for EPROMs

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

68764s and 2532s are still available if you look hard enough; if you can't
find any, with a couple of jumpers  the unusual TMS2564 can replace both of
them

m.

On Mon, Mar 27, 2023 at 1:38 PM rescue via cctalk 
wrote:

>
> Looking for MCM68764 and I could probably use some TMS2532 as well.
>
> I'm also always on the lookout for blank bipolar proms (chips stargin
> with 82S, and compatables).
>
> Anyone have any of these they don't need.  New, used, needing erasing,
> doesn't matter.
>
> If you have any, let me know how many you have (of each if you have
> both type) and what you are looking to get for them.
>
> If you need more standard/bigger EPROMs, I can trade too have a
> number of 2764, 27256, have some 27128 I think too, and maybe some 27512
> ?
> I'd have to go digging.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -- Curt
>
>

[cctalk] Re: WTB Sharp PC-5000

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Pretty sure I have one somewhere, with manual and some bubble packs,
working last time it was turned on.

Located in Toronto; contact me off-list if interested.

m

On Wed, Feb 22, 2023 at 2:17 AM Steve Lewis via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> If anyone knows of a Sharp PC-5000 that might be available.
>
> I've been looking for one for a while.
>
> Might be more in the Japanese or European vintage market?
>
> Prefer working, I've been curious about the MS DOS 2.0 ROM that it has.
>
> -Steve
> voidstar
>

[cctalk] Re: the mouse vs. touch sensitive devices

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Touchscreen with a 'real' stylus.

On Mon, Jan 30, 2023 at 1:10 PM Kenton A. Hoover via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> I don't think that portrayal of Xerox's view on the mouse is correct. Much
> of Interlisp and all of Smalltalk was mouse-based and Interlisp was never
> designed for (only) use by youth.
>
> Trackpads are fine except for detail work. Touchscreens are bound by touch
> targets needing to be finger-sized. The trackpoint works well if you never
> want to take your hands off the keyboard at all. The mouse/trackball just
> sit in the middle of the graph of connivence/precision.
>
> ..
>
> --
> Kenton A. Hoover
> ken...@nemersonhoover.org
> shib...@mail.marchordie.org
> +1 415 830 5843
> On Jan 22, 2023, 05:14 -0800, Chris via cctalk ,
> wrote:
> > Originally as I understand it the mouse as a product of Xerox was
> intended not so much for general use but to aid youngins and disabled
> people with their usage. And despite the never-mousers, predominantly linux
> fanatics, it's an indispensable tool for nearly everyone. There was a stint
> where I favored trackballs. But it's a toss up as to which is more natural
> and faster. Each may excel in cwrtain applications.
> >
> > Then there's the touch screen (and touch pad). I find touch pads
> superior, make that way superior to that horrific track point used on old
> Thinkpads. But again that'a me. Touch screens, my hatred for them grows
> almost daily. They have their place. And for portable devices they're
> largely the only game in town. But I often wish I at least had the option
> of a mouse or something close.
> >
> > Is this an example of where older tech beats the new tech? Or do aspects
> of the newer tech just await refinement?
>

[cctalk] Re: Computer of Thesus (was: Re: Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

At 77, don't I know it...

But most of us are fortunate enough to choose how we spend that limited
time, whatever other folks may think.

Speaking of, I've had fun but this discussion is time I'll never get back
;-)

Time for a nap...

;-)

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 3:13 PM Chris via cctalk 
wrote:

>  Mike, our time (and energy) on this earth is limited. For some more
> limited then others. Like the old Dr. Who (circa 1989) when asked if he
> foumd butterflies interesting, replied "My good man, I find everything
> interesting". As do I. As do a lot of people. Some people are geared
> towards diving headlong into some insane arcane technology. Others just
> want to play Alien Syndrome.
>
> Illegitimi non carborundum

[cctalk] Re: Computer of Thesus (was: Re: Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Guess I've been lucky; haven't had any issues (AFAIK ;-)  with any of the
hundreds of ICs I've bought on eBay . On the other hand I've heard folks
even have issues with stuff from Mouser etc.

Same here; there's satisfaction in keeping the entire vintage package
running, but when it comes to actually working with it and especially
moving stuff to and from the modern world the emulators are indispensable
and it's amazing just how active and ingenious the folks designing  them
are.

And I'm still blown away that I can store ~10,000 times the amount of data
on this IMI 'brick' in front of me (which cost ~$1200 in its day) on a much
faster thumbnail-sized SD card costing <$100.

m



On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 2:24 PM Sellam Abraham via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 11:14 AM Mike Stein via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> > I offered some 8" diskettes a while back and didn't have a single
> inquiry,
> > and there doesn't seem to be a real shortage of other sizes either if you
> > don't mind sorting through used ones; even paper and mylar tape seem to
> > still be available.
> >
>
> True, eBay always has blank media, lots of it  new-old stock still in the
> shrinkwrap.  I have a pile of such myself.
>
> When it comes to parts I often read complaints that a certain IC or part is
> > unobtainium when a quick look on ebay or even Amazon will find a dozen
> > listings; some people get satisfaction from finding parts or
> documentation
> > that no one else could and sharing with the community.
> >
>
> A lot of that apparently is fake Chinesium, so it's somewhat misleading.
>
>
> > As to the reliability of mechanical devices, again, to each his/her own;
> > what is a frustrating experience for someone trying to get something done
> > is an opportunity for someone else to repair it and get that
> satisfaction.
> > At least, unlike some mysterious custom IC you can see what the problem
> is
> > and repair it.
> >
>
> I prefer using the original hardware myself, but I do enjoy the convenience
> of modern high-capacity memory drives and emulators.
>
> Sellam
>

[cctalk] Re: Computer of Thesus (was: Re: Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Not necessarily criticism, but there's usually a bit of judgement in there
somewhere; "I can't understand why on earth anybody would spend good money
and time buying old obsolete computers and getting them running" kinda
suggests that the speaker thinks you've got a problem and should spend the
money on more practical stuff (and they may well be right ;-)

I've certainly got hard and floppy disk emulators for several of my
systems; I was just saying that there are sick people out there who are
happy when a floppy drive fails and they have the opportunity to learn and
share repairing it.

Jest no accountin' for some folks' tastes...



On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 2:28 PM Chris via cctalk 
wrote:

>  @ Mike Stein
>
>  Not everything is criticism. I only corrected a rather obtuse notion
> about people replacing mechanical drives with solid state ones. Everyone
> would love to use their original equipment if it was practical. I for 1
> have NO luck with floppy disks. Is it my part of the country? Could be.

[cctalk] Re: Computer of Thesus (was: Re: Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I think the issue of finding media tends to be a little overstated.

I offered some 8" diskettes a while back and didn't have a single inquiry,
and there doesn't seem to be a real shortage of other sizes either if you
don't mind sorting through used ones; even paper and mylar tape seem to
still be available.

When it comes to parts I often read complaints that a certain IC or part is
unobtainium when a quick look on ebay or even Amazon will find a dozen
listings; some people get satisfaction from finding parts or documentation
that no one else could and sharing with the community.

As to the reliability of mechanical devices, again, to each his/her own;
what is a frustrating experience for someone trying to get something done
is an opportunity for someone else to repair it and get that satisfaction.
At least, unlike some mysterious custom IC you can see what the problem is
and repair it.

m

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 1:31 PM Chris via cctalk 
wrote:

>  I've never ever heard anyone state they like Goteks better then floppy
> drives. The media is difficult to find in a usable state. That puts a big
> crimp on any joy you may obtain from using original equipment. Hence people
> opt for the next best thing. Which offers a number of conveniences I'll
> add. On Monday, January 23, 2023, 01:26:40 PM EST, Christian Corti via
> cctalk  wrote:
>
>  On Mon, 23 Jan 2023, Chris Zach wrote:
> > Is it a valid repair? Yes. Is it not "100% original" nope, and I don't
> care
> > too much. However one of the supplies was a total wreck from someone else
>
> Replacing a failed and possibly unrepairable component is something
> different than changing working parts with newer ones "just because I like
> the modern ones more". Then, I would not be in classic computing but just
> in "running old equipment".
>
> Christian
>

[cctalk] Re: Computer of Thesus (was: Re: Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I think one thing that this discussion demonstrates is the point of the
original post, namely that  there are many different reasons for
participating in this hobby and to each their own..

Let's face it, most of us have trouble justifying the time and money we
spend for whatever reason on what is essentially useless obsolete junk to
anyone outside our community.

At one end are the purists like the antique car crowd, where every last
screw has to be original, while at the other end are folks like Jim who are
more pragmatic and mainly just interested in getting something done (and
who incidentally designs and sells a lot of the adapters etc. that let us
replace parts like a hard to find and program replacement for a 2332 ROM
with a 2732 for example).

Thanks for your many contributions BTW, Jim, especially in the Commodore
world but much also applicable elsewhere.

/Soapbox on/
What I find a little disappointing is the judgement implied in the "I can't
understand why in the world anybody would do that" posts; we're all part of
the same community, mostly helping each other regardless of our different
perspectives, so instead of judging or arguing let's just respect each
other's views of the vintage computer world. Who knows, we may actually
learn to 'understand why' ;-)
/Soapbox off/

m

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 1:31 PM Chris via cctalk 
wrote:

>  I've never ever heard anyone state they like Goteks better then floppy
> drives. The media is difficult to find in a usable state. That puts a big
> crimp on any joy you may obtain from using original equipment. Hence people
> opt for the next best thing. Which offers a number of conveniences I'll
> add. On Monday, January 23, 2023, 01:26:40 PM EST, Christian Corti via
> cctalk  wrote:
>
>  On Mon, 23 Jan 2023, Chris Zach wrote:
> > Is it a valid repair? Yes. Is it not "100% original" nope, and I don't
> care
> > too much. However one of the supplies was a total wreck from someone else
>
> Replacing a failed and possibly unrepairable component is something
> different than changing working parts with newer ones "just because I like
> the modern ones more". Then, I would not be in classic computing but just
> in "running old equipment".
>
> Christian
>

[cctalk] Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

As you say, to each his/her own.

But although mechanical devices are indeed more prone to issues, the same
argument could be applied to the rest of the system; when your unobtainium
PAL or LSI chip fails you'll probably replace it with a modern replacement.

Just a question of where you choose to draw the line.

Personally, I just spent some time this weekend reviving some obscure IMI
hard drives that hadn't been run for at least 25 years and it was a real
delight to not only get them going again but to discover that one had a
functional OS installation on it that I thought I'd lost long ago.

I suppose there's some of that the very first time you get your Gesswein
emulator working, but it ain't the same thing.

Another issue is that I have several hundred floppy disks, some with fairly
rare stuff on them; maybe I'll get around to archiving them some day but in
the meantime they're fairly safe on disk (unlike the box full of extremely
rare Burroughs paper tapes that I threw out before I discovered that there
are folks who are actually interested in that kind of old crap  ;-)

m

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 9:38 AM Bill Gunshannon via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

>
> On 1/23/2023 9:02 AM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
> > Agreed; might as well just replace the whole system with an emulator
> while
> > you're at it.
> >
> > m
> >
> > On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 3:41 AM Christian Corti via cctalk <
> > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >
> >> On Sat, 21 Jan 2023, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
> >>> Later today I plan to try FlashFloppy.  My goal is to eventually
> >>> replace all of my mechanical floppies with solid state ones.
> >> Why would one want to do that?
> >> My goal would be the opposite. Upgrade all vintage computers with floppy
> >> drives ;-) My experience is that, if handled correctly, floppies are one
> >> of the most durable media, and they are definitely more fun on vintage
> >> equipment than any form of modern replacement. For exchanging data
> between
> >> the new and the old world, maybe it can be an option. But for classic
> >> computing? No way I would replace a floppy drive if it isn't broken.
> >>
> >> Christian
>
>
> To each his own.  My interest is not in museum pieces that stand on a shelf
>
> and look pretty.  I like to actually work with them.  Mechanical disk
> drives
>
> are so old today they are prone to constant failure.  None of my
> original TRS-80
>
> drives still function.  If I replace them with TEAC FD55's they are no
> longer
>
> original so what difference is there if I replace them with a GOTEK and
> USB Stick?
>
> And the disks themselves become unreliable with repeated use. The
> replacements
>
> also allow for trying things the mechanical disks are incapable of.
> Like really large
>
> floppies with255 tracks.
>
>
> bill
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Computer Museum uses GreaseWeazle to help exonerate Maryland Man

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Agreed; might as well just replace the whole system with an emulator while
you're at it.

m

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 3:41 AM Christian Corti via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On Sat, 21 Jan 2023, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
> > Later today I plan to try FlashFloppy.  My goal is to eventually
> > replace all of my mechanical floppies with solid state ones.
>
> Why would one want to do that?
> My goal would be the opposite. Upgrade all vintage computers with floppy
> drives ;-) My experience is that, if handled correctly, floppies are one
> of the most durable media, and they are definitely more fun on vintage
> equipment than any form of modern replacement. For exchanging data between
> the new and the old world, maybe it can be an option. But for classic
> computing? No way I would replace a floppy drive if it isn't broken.
>
> Christian
>

[cctalk] Re: 2102s and other chips / was Re: IBM PC/XT and NEC "gold" tam

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Nope, they're numbered 2479 9595, but ISTR some irregularities among BBM
part numbers, especially when it came to LSI and memory chips.

They do have GND and Vcc on pins 9 and 10 respectively though, as Brent
suggests; maybe my memory from 30 years ago isn't so bad after all (no idea
what I had for breakfast though).

I did misremember the no. of chips though: 9 x 16, so presumably with
parity.

m


On Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 5:10 PM Bill Degnan via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> What is the Burroughs part number / printed on the chip?  The 1449 1112 RAM
> chips are Burroughs' part number for the intel 2102 RAM
> Bill
>
> On Sat, Jan 21, 2023, 3:51 PM Brent Hilpert via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> > On 2023-Jan-21, at 11:25 AM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
> >
> > > Finally, some Burroughs memory boards containing what I think are
> 2102s,
> > > but I'd have to investigate.
> >
> > Soldered or socketed?
> >
> > I'm on the lookout for 16 (or more to have some spares) 2102s to populate
> > an EconoRAM S100 memory board to go in an Altair. Proviso being they have
> > to be 'fast enough' (<=450nS, not sure whether 650 would be OK or not).
> >
> > ...
> > > Speaking of gold-plated chips, I'm finally scrapping the last remnants
> > of a
> > > Redactron mag card word processor; the main board has some house
> numbered
> > > white ceramic chips with the usual gold pins and lids (24, 40, 16
> pins).
> >
> > (Could probably figure out many of them with some rev-eng'ing to get
> their
> > pinout.)
> >
> >
>

[cctalk] Re: IBM PC/XT and NEC "gold" tam

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Speaking of gold-plated chips, I'm finally scrapping the last remnants of a
Redactron mag card word processor; the main board has some house numbered
white ceramic chips with the usual gold pins and lids (24, 40, 16 pins).

Any interest for decoration/jewelry/exploration/whatever?

Also some Burroughs boards with their odd square package.

Finally, some Burroughs memory boards containing what I think are 2102s,
but I'd have to investigate.

m

On Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 1:43 PM John Herron via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Earlier chips would have gold and later ceramic or black to save money.
> With RAM being expensive it was common to take whatever you had and toss it
> in your next system or an expansion card so that may be what you're seeing
> from a previous owner.
>
> On Sat, Jan 21, 2023, 12:14 PM Chris via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
> >  Well the latgest question I have is whether early NEC chips with any
> lida
> > were commonly used to populate tne 5162. And if your lids aren't gold
> > plated, is the lid aluminum or some related alloy?
>

[cctalk] Re: USB Attached 5.25" drives?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

If you're just *reading* 8" images it should just be a simple matter of
remapping the pins.

Here's a good reference; just reverse your perspective:

http://dunfield.classiccmp.org/img42841/cnct.htm

FWIW, several dual-mode FDCs, notably Cromemco, effectively duplicate
almost all of the relevant 50-pin signals on their 34-pin interface, so no
mods or adapters required. In fact, many people use 3.5" and 5.25" HD
drives (and presumably Goteks) on the 34-pin cable and they appear as 8"
drives to the system.

m

On Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 10:26 AM Bill Gunshannon via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On 1/21/23 01:11, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
> > FWIW, I just received a Gotek last week and it uses an AT32F415.
> >
>
> The first one I bought many years ago has an STM32F105.
> At the time there was no third party firmware and it turned
> out to be pretty useless on anything other than a PC.
>
> With the current hXc2001 firmware it looks to be usable for
> any of the disks I may want to replace.
>
> I just got two new ones and they have AT32F415 chips.
> My understanding is that the two are functionally identical.
>
> We shall see as my fun progresses.
>
> An interesting note.  I have a device from DBIT that lets you
> hook up an 8" disk to the interface for 5.25 or 3.5 floppies.
> I wonder how I would go about reversing that process so I could
> hook one of these GOTEKs up in place of a physical 8" disk.
>
> bill
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: USB Attached 5.25" drives?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

FWIW, I just received a Gotek last week and it uses an AT32F415.

m

On Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 12:28 AM Chuck Guzis via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> After doing a little web browsing, it seems that Gotek has adapted the
> Artery AT32F435 MCU on their newer units.
>
> This is a huge improvement over the STM32F107 used on these originally.
> 288MHz, lots of flash 384KB SRAM.  Looks to be a souped-up crossbreed of
> the STM32F4 and F7 MCUs.
>
> I'll have to check  pinouts to see how the Artery MCUs match the STM
> varieties, but I suspect they'll be pretty close, as Artery also makes
> clones of standard STM32 chips (e.g. AT32F407 vs. STM32F407).  I'll be
> surprised if I couldn't use my STLINK programmer on one.
>
> This isn't unusual for the Chinese; there are several clone makers of
> the STM32 series.  I've run into a few that are phony-branded with the
> ST logo.
>
> But that AT32F435 in the new Gotek points to being able to do more than
> simply emulate a floppy.  Definitely everything including the kitchen
> sink type of MCU.
>
>
> --Chuck
>

[cctalk] Re: what is on topic?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

No personal experience but maybe this'll help:
https://corei64.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product_id=285

Sorry for encouraging inappropriate threads ;-)

m

On Wed, Dec 21, 2022 at 1:56 PM steve shumaker via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> OK..Now that you mention it, I do have a CBM PET question.  I'm
> searching for replacement key tops for the chicklet keyboard.  There are
> stems available (apparently 3d printed) on EPay but no caps. Any
> suggestions on where to look?I have the keyboard and it seems a
> little silly to spend $300 on EPay if I only need 3 keys
>
> Steve
>
> On 12/20/22 10:19 PM, Jim Brain via cctalk wrote:
> > On 12/21/2022 12:03 AM, Chris via cctalk wrote:
> >> Apples and Coco's and C64's would be the common sublist
> >>
> > As much as I enjoy these machines, I ask that we do not create yet
> > another list for them.  There are many fine forums for all of these
> > machines.  The occasional PET or VIC question in here surely won't
> > ruffle too many feathers, and those of us who know quite a bit about
> > these machines can redirect the OP elsewhere if needed.
> >
> >
>
>

[cctalk] Re: what is on topic?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Agreed (FWIW ;-)

Admittedly there are many alternate sources out there for information (and
misinformation) about relatively 'modern' systems, but there's also a lot
of informed, reliable and, dare I say, mature folks here with much to
contribute; it'd be a shame not to take advantage of their experience,
regardless of the age of the issue in question.

m

On Tue, Dec 20, 2022 at 11:33 PM Tony Jones via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Traffic on the list is so low I'm not seeing the issue.I'm also not
> seeing complaints about threads being off topic.Seems like solution
> seeking a problem.
>
> On Tue, Dec 20, 2022, 8:28 PM Chris via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
> >  On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 11:11:27 PM EST, Fred Cisin via cctalk <
> > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I was not disagreeing with you.
> >
> >
> > Ok. Wonderful. I guess we've sufficiently established that from
> henceforth
> > anything dang-old is totally on topic. Any detractors? :)
> >
> > Transcoding as in vcr to mpegs? I wasn't suggesting XP was utterly
> > entirely useless. Video editing in a modern sense requires loads of
> > processing h.p. to be efficient. And no transcodimg is necessary.
> Certainly
> > not an expert. But I should think older hardware would be very very slow.
>

[cctalk] Re: reset "pulse" stretcher need

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I don't suppose there's an extra NC contact on the motor switch/relay? If
so, a relay would do, otherwise two relays.

m

On Wed, Dec 7, 2022 at 12:40 AM Jim Brain via cctalk 
wrote:

> This might be a bit off topic, so forgive me if so.
>
> The issue is a 24VAC motor with one connection to 24VAC and the other
> gated via two switches.  The first switch is a momentary one and the
> second is in parallel and connected to the motor.  A long enough
> momentary depression on the first switch actuates the electric motor
> enough to close the second switch, which then stays closed for 1
> revolution.
>
> The problem is that a quick enough press and release of the first switch
> does not allow the motor to move far enough to close the second switch.
>
> Given the configuration, my general plan was a small one shot timer
> circuit that energized when the switch was initially depressed and then
> closed a relay in parallel with the first 2 switches, with a time period
> that was 1/10 to 1/2 the time of the motor revolution. a quick close and
> release of the first switch would start the timer, which would then
> close the parallel switch and then open it a short time later, and then
> the motor switch, which would still be closed, could signal the end of
> the cycle.
>
> But, I thought I'd ask around and see if a simpler option was available.
>
> Jim
>
> --
>
> Jim Brain
> br...@jbrain.com
> www.jbrain.com
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Inline Serial Device?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Nice one! LOL!

m

On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 3:36 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On 11/12/22 11:56, ben via cctalk wrote:
> > On 2022-11-12 12:33 p.m., Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
>
> > Watch out for Indians. :)
> > Ben.
>
> Nonsense--they have some very fine restaurants here.
>
> --Chuck
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Inline Serial Device?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Can the magic control codes pass through to the remote device or does the
"black box" have to eat them?

Makes quite a difference...

m

On Fri, Nov 11, 2022 at 5:14 PM W2HX via cctalk 
wrote:

> Thanks to everyone who responded. And thanks to Wayne for the black box
> suggestion. I have actually been thinking about that very product. What it
> does is switch a master port to one of several other ports. Not far from
> what I'm seeking. I was thinking of buying one of these and hacking it to
> trigger a relay instead of a change of port. But before I went down that
> path, I thought I'd ask if anyone knew something more fit for purpose.
> Seems not and either this black box unit with a hack or a mcu might be my
> options.
>
> Thanks all!
>
>
> 73 Eugene W2HX
> Subscribe to my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Wayne S via cctalk 
> Sent: Friday, November 11, 2022 5:08 PM
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> Cc: Wayne S 
> Subject: [cctalk] Re: Inline Serial Device?
>
> Something like this…
>
>
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Box-Corporation-Modified-SWED98174-Cos-II-Code-Operated-Serial-Switcher-/165759564735?mkcid=16=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286=711-127632-2357-0
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 11, 2022, at 14:00, Fred Cisin via cctalk 
> wrote:
>
> On Fri, 11 Nov 2022, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
> I keep a big jar around that's full of blue- and black pill MCU boards,
> as well as a few of the more capable STM32F4 and F7 boards.Nowadays,
> everything seems to look like a job for an MCU.
>
>
> The MCU has replaced the hammer!
> . . . "To a man with a HAMMER|(big jar of blue and black pill MCUs),
> everything looks like a NAIL|(job for an MCU)"
>
>
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Inline Serial Device?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

A surprisingly complex project ;-)

For another alternative, the ever prolific Geoff Graham and co. have
developed an amazingly versatile BASIC interpreter for the Pi Pico:

https://geoffg.net/picomite.html

m

On Fri, Nov 11, 2022 at 9:06 PM Cameron Kaiser via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> >>> I am looking for a device that sits transparently in an RS-232 serial
> line
> >>> and upon seeing a particular code go over the serial line ((or
> sequence of
> >>> codes) will actual a relay (or a transistor). Something with two DB25s
> or
> >>> DE9s and is configurable to what code will trigger the output? Some
> kind of
> >>> box?
> >>
> >> not that it's easy but a raspberry pi could be set up to watch the
> serial
> >> line.
> >
> > Or even cheaper, and Arduino uno
>
> I second the Arduino recommendation. I have a Power Mac G4 with a serial
> dongle
> that drives an Arduino Nano-based IR blaster. It sends serial commands to
> it
> and the blaster transmits a signal to the room air conditioner. Should be
> easy
> to adapt the GPIO pins to a relay. Arduino programming and interfacing is
> pretty straightforward.
>
>
> https://oldvcr.blogspot.com/2022/10/ir-controlling-new-air-conditioner-in.html
>
> --
>  personal:
> http://www.cameronkaiser.com/ --
>   Cameron Kaiser * Floodgap Systems * www.floodgap.com *
> ckai...@floodgap.com
> -- The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws. -- Tacitus
> -
>
>

[cctalk] Re: Great Vintage Computer Heist of 2012

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Amen!

On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 7:17 PM William Donzelli via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Own your land.
>
> Museum or individual.
>
> --
> Will
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 7:13 PM Kevin Parker via cctalk
>  wrote:
> >
> > I remember that Sellam and I remember visiting your facility on a trip
> my wife and I did to the US. It was very impressive collection and that’s
> an understatement.
> >
> > It’s a shame all that was lost ☹ It served to reinforce my approach to
> this s tuff, grab first ask questions later otherwise it becomes landfill.
> >
> > Apologies if this is not appropriate for this list but your landlord was
> a flog.
> >
> >
> > Kevin Parker
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: Sellam Abraham via cctalk 
> > Sent: Monday, 17 October 2022 19:55
> > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> > Cc: Sellam Abraham 
> > Subject: [cctalk] Re: Great Vintage Computer Heist of 2012
> >
> > Long story very short:
> >
> > Landlords evicted me from their warehouse where my collection was stored
> and wouldn't let me back in.  Had to go to court.  Regained access and was
> able to pull out 20% of the collection before they locked me out again for
> good.  Then sold the rest to computer recyclers, who proceeded to scatter
> it to the wind.
> >
> > Sellam
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 1:43 AM Ali via cctalk 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > You had to ask..I was there 3000 years ago (or about 10 years ago
> > > in non Tolkien meme terms) and it wasn't pretty
> > >  Original message From: Tom Hunter via cctalk <
> > > cctalk@classiccmp.org> Date: 10/17/22  1:31 AM  (GMT-08:00) To:
> > > "General
> > > Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"  Cc:
> > > Tom Hunter  Subject: [cctalk] Great Vintage
> > > Computer Heist of 2012 Sellam Abraham referred to a "Great
> > > VintageComputer Heist of 2012". What was that about? Who stole what
> and where andwhy?
> >
>

[cctalk] Re: Great Vintage Computer Heist of 2012

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Not saying that what the landlord did was ethically, morally or even
legally correct, just that you could have avoided the whole disaster; I'm
sure the community would have gladly chipped in to help, but I think your
attitude at the time was not very helpful..

You certainly had (and have) my sympathy, but at the same time I was pissed
because IMO as de facto 'curator' of a pretty special collection, much of
it no doubt donated, you had a certain responsibility to protect it.

As you say, let's not revive the whole sad tale; glad to hear you're back
on your feet.

mike

On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 7:56 PM Sellam Abraham via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Mike,
>
> I'm trying not to extend this conversation, because I am not interested in
> a pity-party, but this kind of comment is insulting.  Of course I should
> have paid the rent.  And vy the way, as soon as I had it, I offered it, but
> they refused the tender.
>
> Regardless, when someone gets evicted, they and their stuff get thrown out
> of the building.  The landlord doesn't get to keep a million dollars of
> property over $4,000 of missed rent.  It is not lawful to liquidate any of
> the tenant's property to offset the debt, unless they go through a long and
> drawn out legal process.
>
> Sellam
>
> On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 2:11 PM Mike Stein via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> wrote:
>
> > Shoulda paid the rent.
> >
> > A sad tale indeed.
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 4:11 PM Sellam Abraham via cctalk <
> > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >
> > > The good news is that most of my best stuff was either already with me
> > or I
> > > was able to get out, including my two Lisa 1's, my (straight) PDP-8,
> and
> > > several other precious items.  I long since sold off most of this to
> pay
> > to
> > > live, since at the same time they destroyed my collection they
> destroyed
> > my
> > > business (not to mention my life's work).
> > >
> > > I've gone on to build a new collection out of the old, one that
> is--like
> > my
> > > original collection--unrivaled anywhere on the planet.  But this time
> > I've
> > > erected castle walls around it, surrounded by a moat filled with
> > > alligators.
> > >
> > > Sellam
> > >
> > > On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 11:58 AM Ryan de Laplante via cctalk <
> > > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I didn’t know you were able to recover 20% of the collection before
> > being
> > > > locked out again.  I know losing any of it is terrible, but I’m
> > guessing
> > > > you prioritized the very best pieces of the collection when
> recovering
> > > the
> > > > 20%, such as your Lisa 1?
> > > >
> > > > I kept my collection in storage lockers for years.  I kept moving to
> > > > larger and larger lockers, then eventually two large lockers, because
> > my
> > > > collecting got out of control.  Prices kept going up every year and
> it
> > > was
> > > > a nightmare having to pay what I did just to store the collection.
> > > >  Fortunately I was able to move to a house and relocated the
> collection
> > > to
> > > > the basement.  Not everything could come home with me, so I sold the
> > > > remaining lower priority pieces to the first person who could clear
> the
> > > > locker over a weekend.  I didn’t get much for it, but at least it
> > didn’t
> > > go
> > > > to a recycler.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > On Oct 17, 2022, at 4:54 AM, Sellam Abraham via cctalk <
> > > > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Long story very short:
> > > > >
> > > > > Landlords evicted me from their warehouse where my collection was
> > > stored
> > > > > and wouldn't let me back in.  Had to go to court.  Regained access
> > and
> > > > was
> > > > > able to pull out 20% of the collection before they locked me out
> > again
> > > > for
> > > > > good.  Then sold the rest to computer recyclers, who proceeded to
> > > scatter
> > > > > it to the wind.
> > > > >
> > > > > Sellam
> > > > >
> > > > > On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 1:43 AM Ali via cctalk <
> > cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >> You had to ask..I was there 3000 years ago (or about 10 years
> > ago
> > > in
> > > > >> non Tolkien meme terms) and it wasn't pretty
> > > > >>  Original message From: Tom Hunter via cctalk <
> > > > >> cctalk@classiccmp.org> Date: 10/17/22  1:31 AM  (GMT-08:00) To:
> > > > "General
> > > > >> Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
> > Cc:
> > > > Tom
> > > > >> Hunter  Subject: [cctalk] Great Vintage
> > Computer
> > > > >> Heist of 2012 Sellam Abraham referred to a "Great VintageComputer
> > > Heist
> > > > of
> > > > >> 2012". What was that about? Who stole what and where andwhy?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[cctalk] Re: Great Vintage Computer Heist of 2012

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Shoulda paid the rent.

A sad tale indeed.

On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 4:11 PM Sellam Abraham via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> The good news is that most of my best stuff was either already with me or I
> was able to get out, including my two Lisa 1's, my (straight) PDP-8, and
> several other precious items.  I long since sold off most of this to pay to
> live, since at the same time they destroyed my collection they destroyed my
> business (not to mention my life's work).
>
> I've gone on to build a new collection out of the old, one that is--like my
> original collection--unrivaled anywhere on the planet.  But this time I've
> erected castle walls around it, surrounded by a moat filled with
> alligators.
>
> Sellam
>
> On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 11:58 AM Ryan de Laplante via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> > I didn’t know you were able to recover 20% of the collection before being
> > locked out again.  I know losing any of it is terrible, but I’m guessing
> > you prioritized the very best pieces of the collection when recovering
> the
> > 20%, such as your Lisa 1?
> >
> > I kept my collection in storage lockers for years.  I kept moving to
> > larger and larger lockers, then eventually two large lockers, because my
> > collecting got out of control.  Prices kept going up every year and it
> was
> > a nightmare having to pay what I did just to store the collection.
> >  Fortunately I was able to move to a house and relocated the collection
> to
> > the basement.  Not everything could come home with me, so I sold the
> > remaining lower priority pieces to the first person who could clear the
> > locker over a weekend.  I didn’t get much for it, but at least it didn’t
> go
> > to a recycler.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > On Oct 17, 2022, at 4:54 AM, Sellam Abraham via cctalk <
> > cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> > >
> > > Long story very short:
> > >
> > > Landlords evicted me from their warehouse where my collection was
> stored
> > > and wouldn't let me back in.  Had to go to court.  Regained access and
> > was
> > > able to pull out 20% of the collection before they locked me out again
> > for
> > > good.  Then sold the rest to computer recyclers, who proceeded to
> scatter
> > > it to the wind.
> > >
> > > Sellam
> > >
> > > On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 1:43 AM Ali via cctalk 
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > >> You had to ask..I was there 3000 years ago (or about 10 years ago
> in
> > >> non Tolkien meme terms) and it wasn't pretty
> > >>  Original message From: Tom Hunter via cctalk <
> > >> cctalk@classiccmp.org> Date: 10/17/22  1:31 AM  (GMT-08:00) To:
> > "General
> > >> Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"  Cc:
> > Tom
> > >> Hunter  Subject: [cctalk] Great Vintage Computer
> > >> Heist of 2012 Sellam Abraham referred to a "Great VintageComputer
> Heist
> > of
> > >> 2012". What was that about? Who stole what and where andwhy?
> >
> >
> >
>

[cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskettes themselves (was: 8" floppy diskette storage cases)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

How much?

On Wed, Oct 12, 2022 at 11:38 PM Kevin Parker via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> A little while ago I bought some new ones from https://www.floppydisk.com/
>
> I have no relationship to floppydisk.com
>
>
> Kevin Parker
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Mike Begley via cctalk 
> Sent: Thursday, 13 October 2022 14:12
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> Cc: Mike Begley 
> Subject: [cctalk] 8" floppy diskettes themselves (was: 8" floppy diskette
> storage cases)
>
> With all the talk about 8" floppy diskette storage cases, I was wondering
> if
> anyone had any 8" floppy disks themselves they would be willing to sell?
>
> This winter I am hoping to start restoring an IMSAI 8080 I recently
> acquired, and while it came with one external 5.25" drive, it would be
> desirable to connect a "proper" 8" disk system to it as well.  However, the
> complete lack of the disks themselves makes that project more or less
> impractical even once I get hardware set up.  So before I even start that
> project, I'd love to pick up a collection of 8" media.  Years back I had an
> impressive collection of CP/M software on 8" floppies, but unfortunately,
> they were accidentally left behind in a move.  :-/
>
> -mike
>
>

[cctalk] Re: 8" floppy diskettes themselves (was: 8" floppy diskette storage cases)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I've certainly got some for sale; mostly DS/DD but a few SS/SD as well. Can
your drive(s) handle DS/DD disks?

m

On Wed, Oct 12, 2022 at 11:12 PM Mike Begley via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> With all the talk about 8" floppy diskette storage cases, I was wondering
> if anyone had any 8" floppy disks themselves they would be willing to sell?
>
> This winter I am hoping to start restoring an IMSAI 8080 I recently
> acquired, and while it came with one external 5.25" drive, it would be
> desirable to connect a "proper" 8" disk system to it as well.  However, the
> complete lack of the disks themselves makes that project more or less
> impractical even once I get hardware set up.  So before I even start that
> project, I'd love to pick up a collection of 8" media.  Years back I had an
> impressive collection of CP/M software on 8" floppies, but unfortunately,
> they were accidentally left behind in a move.  :-/
>
> -mike
>
>

[cctalk] Re: bubble memory stable?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Second that. I've got a PC-5000 as well (wanna buy it?) and have never had
any issues with the bubble paks.

I suppose it's the computer as well but I was surprised by how relatively
slow they are, considering that they're 'solid state'.

An interesting project, replacing them with SD cards or similar; way beyond
my skills though.

I assume the manual is out there somewhere?

m

On Sun, Oct 2, 2022 at 7:39 AM osi.superboard via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Hi Steve,
>
> the Sharp PC-5000 bubble memory is very reliable. It`s working flawless
> on two machines I have.
>
> Bubble memory was used as well in some significant older machines, like
> the Texas instruments Silent Terminals (around 77 I guess). And last
> time I turned on the terminal, it worked perfectly still showing text in
> memory, entered decades ago. So no worry.
>
> Thomas
>
> Am 02.10.2022 um 10:58 schrieb Steve Lewis via cctalk:
> > How "stable" is bubble memory, over decades?
> >
> > There is a Sharp PC-5000 that may be available, I believe from 1983-1985
> > era, which is said to have bubble memory.  But the owner can't find a
> power
> > cable, to verify if anything still works.
> >
> > I have older systems with ICs that are still working OK, but I was
> > wondering thoughts on any risk associated with bubble memory?
> (likelihood
> > of not working at all, or being damaged in long distance shipping)
> >
> > Actually another thought, can any "normal" ICs be used to
> > replace/substitute the bubble memory?
> >
> > Regards,
> > Steve
>

[cctalk] Re: Minicomputer front panel.

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

LOL

I've got a B2700 front panel & console; I doubt that there are many 2700s
out there complete except for the front panel but if you do have one send
me a note ;-)

m

On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 11:31 PM Bill Degnan via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On Thu, Sep 22, 2022, 11:17 PM jim stephens via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > On 9/22/22 10:05, Peter Van Peborgh via cctalk wrote:
> > > I know this is sacrilege but I am looking for the front panel of a
> *Data
> > > General Nova *and/or *a DEC PDP 8/11/12/15*.
> > > Why? I collect artefacts from the days of the minicomputer and earlier
> > and
> > > I want them for my collection/display. They should be not too damaged
> and
> > > of course do not need to be functional. I would be willing to pay
> > > postage/freight.
> > > Any offers? Any offers?
> > > Peter
> > >
> > > PS Please don't shout at me!
> > I exhibited a front panel collection display at VCF West about 4 years
> > ago.  It exists not because of a collection, but as spare parts.  Also
> > brought one attached to one of my machines.
> >
> > there were two from a friend's collection of systems as well.  Sorry not
> > to help out, but suggest you buy the machine, not just a front panel.
> > That way when they are no longer something to have to display, they can
> > be passed on as a part of functional machines later.
> >
> > I did grab a couple of parts panels, and also did find a panel bezel on
> > Ebay, but they weren't cheap, and by what usually happens, the machines
> > showed up from somewhere else later after I acquired them.
> >
> > thanks
> > Jim
> >
>
> The worst is taking the front panel or keyboard from a complete system or
> terminal and discarding it because you solely collect these things, but at
> this point  there are a few system-less front panels and keyboards and it's
> a "thing" enough that it's not totally unreasonable to find them,
> especially if you have the money.  The damage has been done, nothing you
> can do about it now, at least something of the old hardware exists.  And, I
> am sure there are those who rescued the front panel from a system that was
> going to be destroyed.
>
>  I once was given a Burroughs 1700 front panel...anyone have a panel-less
> 1700 out there?
>
> Interesting philosophical discussion
>
> Bill
>

[cctalk] Re: 8" disk question!

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

That's how Cromemco shipped their distribution disks, with both holes and a
sticker to cover the unused hole with arrows on it to show which way was
which.

m


On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 4:32 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk 
wrote:

> On Wed, 21 Sep 2022, Eric Smith via cctalk wrote:
> >>> They didn't deal with it at all. It didn't work. No normal 8-inch
> >>> floppy disks have both index holes in the jacket. If you convert a
> >>> disk from SS to DS, or vice versa, by punching the other index hole in
> >>> the jacket, you have to cover the original, unless you're going to use
> >>> it in a drive that has only one index sensor (typically an SS drive).
>
> On 9/22/22 12:04, geneb via cctalk wrote:
> >> I've got at least three boxes of NOS Dysan disks with both of those
> >> index holes present, so they certainly were made commercially.
>
> On Thu, 22 Sep 2022, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
> > Yup.  I've got similar NOS ones also.
>
> Since those are not "normal", or at least uncommon, please send one such
> disk to Eric for his collection of odd stuff.
>
> It would have made sense for a drive with both sensors to have jumpers,
> that could, if needed often, be wired to a switch.
>
> When I repunched 8" disks, I put a write-enable tab over the old hole.
>
> --
> Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com
>

[cctalk] Re: Flipping an 8" diskette

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Flipping disks to use both sides in a single-side drive was really only
feasible in Commodore and similar drives that did not rely on an index hole
for locating the data on the disk; the notch was to allow writing to the
disk and had to be added on the opposite edge.

To use a flipped 5 1/4" disk in any other drive requires punching holes for
the index sensor in the opposite location, as well as the write (un)protect
notch; this can be tricky and it's easy to damage the actual 'cookie'
unless you remove it first.

All 8" drives use an index hole and also require punching corresponding
index holes but, as Jonathan points out, it's a little more complicated
because  the original location of the hole is different depending on
whether the disk is single- or double-sided .

On the other hand, you don't have to add a notch on an 8" drive unless you
want to write-protect it; the notch acts the reverse of the 5 1/4" notch,
i.e. notch=protect, no notch=write enabled.

Finally, there's the issue of the medium itself; if you're flipping
single-sided disks the early 8" disks are more likely to have flaws on the
unused side than the later 5 1/4" diskettes.

m

On Thu, Sep 1, 2022 at 4:10 AM Liam Proven via cctalk 
wrote:

> Someone on Fesse Bouc just found a sealed box of SS/SD 8" floppies in
> their garage.
>
> Most FB types are too young to know 8" disks existed, of course.
>
> Someone suggested punching a notch in them and using both sides.
>
> Was that even possible on 8" disks?
>
> (TBH single-sided actually-floppy floppies are before my time and I
> never used 'em. When they were on low-end American 8-bit home
> computers, this impecunious young Brit couldn't afford floppy drives
> at all. By the time I could, 5.25" DS/DD was the cheapest drive and
> cheapest media.)
>
> --
> Liam Proven ~ Profile: https://about.me/liamproven
> Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk ~ gMail/gTalk/FB: lpro...@gmail.com
> Twitter/LinkedIn: lproven ~ Skype: liamproven
> UK: (+44) 7939-087884 ~ Czech [+ WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal]: (+420)
> 702-829-053
>

Re: Glass memory?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Hey, I've got one of those somewhere (the delay line, not the terminal ;-)
)!

I do still use the cabinet as a desk, as well as a few parts here and
there; to think that today something like an Arduino nano can replace that
desk-sized cabinet containing a substantial power supply and a card cage
with at least a dozen cards IIRC... I'm still amazed by how far we've come
in less than my lifetime...

m


On Fri, Apr 1, 2022 at 2:30 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk 
wrote:

> On 4/1/22 10:27, Paul Koning wrote:
> >
> >
> >> On Apr 1, 2022, at 1:25 PM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> Wasn't some of this glass delay line memory used in early raster-scanned
> >> computer video displays?
> >
> > I don't know about that one, but a delay line is a key component of a
> PAL (European) system color TV receiver.
>
> I know that the CRT display controller on the CDC 200 series terminal
> (INTERCOM, Export/Import 200 software) used a 10 msec magnetostrictive
> delay line.for image storage.Glass would seem to be a more
> mechanically robust storage medium.
>
> See:page 1-5
>
> http://bitsavers.org/pdf/cdc/terminal/82128000_200_User_Terminal_Hardware_Reference_Jul68.pdf
>
> Later raster terminals used MOS shift register memory.
>
> The STAR-100 stations used a track on the station microdrum for video
> refresh.
>
>
> --Chuck
>
>

Re: Tandon TM 848-02

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

P 1-17 of the Service Manual

m

On Wed, Feb 23, 2022 at 6:13 PM Bill Gunshannon via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

>
> Does anyone have anything on the jumper settings for this drive?
> I would like to jumper it so it can read DEC RX01/RX02 floppies.
> I am looking at being able to read disks on a non-DEC systems
> but I would also like to be able to use it on my Andromeda card
> in a real PDP-11.
>
> bill
>

Re: Seeking paper tape punch

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

If anybody actually wants to build one I have the important part, motor
driven with solenoid operated cam driven punches; would only need a
suitable interface and maybe a cabinet.

Don't know if it would be worth while with today's shipping costs though,
unless you're local in the Toronto area.

m

On Mon, Feb 21, 2022 at 7:33 PM ben via cctalk 
wrote:

> On 2022-02-21 3:11 p.m., Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
> >
> >
> >> On Feb 21, 2022, at 4:26 PM, Guy Fedorkow via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> [apologies if this is a dup, but I didn't see it coming back in any of
> the cctalk digests]
> >>
> >> Greetings CC-Talk,
> >>I've been working on a low-budget project to help to introduce
> students to history of computing through material we have from MIT's 1950's
> Whirlwind project.  The activity would have more of a hands-on feel if we
> could use actual paper tape.
> >>A simple reader is easy enough, but a punch is a bit harder.  We
> don't need anything "authentic", or fast, or high performance, just
> something fairly reliable.
> >> If anyone can suggest where to find such a machine, could you let
> me know?  Fanuc PPR, GNT 4601/4604, and the DSI NC-2400 have been cited as
> possible candidates, but I don't see anything that looks like a good match
> on ebay.
> >>
> >>Thanks!
> >> /guy fedorkow
> >
> > Do you mean a punch as a computer peripheral, or a keyboard operated
> tape punch?  For the former, the ones you mentioned are obvious choices;
> BRPE is another.  Also the DEC paper tape reader/punch (PC01 or some such
> number).
> >
> > For keyboard operated, there's Teletype, Flexowriter, Creed, Siemens,
> depending on where you're located.  ASR33 is a common 8-bit punching
> terminal.  Older models that use 5-level tape ("Baudot") may also be
> around, and those could certainly serve for 1950s era machines that may
> well have actually used those.  I don't know what Whirlwind used, but I
> know some other 1950s machines that used 5 bit tape for their I/O.
> Electrologica X1 is an example.
> >
> >   paul
> >
>
> This requires a REAL MACHINE SHOP ...  none this 3d printer stuff. I
> would recommend a building a 35mm film punch and reader, as film stock
> is still easy to find compared to paper tape. Zuse used them for his
> computers in Germany on the 40's. Quality Mechanical stuff is lost high
> tech.
> Ben.
>
>
>

Re: Programming Bipolar PROMs

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

... and also has many rare ones in stock; reasonable prices, good guy!

On Mon, Sep 27, 2021 at 11:38 PM ben via cctalk 
wrote:

> On 2021-09-27 9:23 a.m., Tom Hunter via cctalk wrote:
> > While restoring and repairing a Data General Nova 2/10 I found a bad
> > bipolar PROM on the CPU board. The PROM has open-collector outputs and is
> > organized as 32 words by 8 bits. It appears that one of the
> open-collector
> > driver transistors is faulty (but it could also be that a fuse has
> > "healed").
> >
> > The part is an Intersil IM5600CP, but these were also made by others, for
> > example Signetics and Philips made the 82S23 and TI and NTE made the
> faster
> > SN74S188N. Some vendors still sell these parts and there are even a few
> on
> > Ebay.
> >
> > How do I program these PROMs? I found one somewhat obscure description of
> > the algorithm in the NTE datasheet, but I suspect that each manufacturer
> > had (somewhat) different algorithms.
> >
> > Is there an affordable commercial programmer out there which can program
> > these PROMs?
> >
> > Is there a simple design out there which I could breadboard for a one-off
> > programming job (maybe using an Arduino to control the programming
> > sequence)?
> >
> > Thanks and best regards
> > Tom Hunter
> >
> http://www.eprompro.com/Index.html
> Does PROMS.
> Ben.
>
>

Re: ISO Laserjet I/II/III firmware

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I've got a NEC board here with 8 x 27C010 1megabit EPROMs which AFAIK is
the postscript firmware for a NEC laser printer; any interest?

On Thu, Aug 12, 2021 at 1:34 PM Al Kossow via cctalk 
wrote:

> On 8/12/21 9:09 AM, Zane Healy wrote:
> > I’m really curious as to why they’re working on the emulation.
>
> For the intellectual challenge, and to play with the Postscript
> interpreter.
>
>
>

Re: ISO Laserjet I/II/III firmware

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I believe I still have an LJ III and might still have parts from a scrapped
LJ II; I'll have a look.

m

On Thu, Aug 12, 2021 at 1:57 AM Al Kossow via cctalk 
wrote:

> There has been some work going on emulating early Laserwriters in MAME and
> I was wondering
> if anyone still has boards or firmware dumps from Laserjets.
>
> It seems most have been scrapped.
>
> "nobody collects printers"
>
>

Re: Reading MT/ST Tapes

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

And here I've always thought of you as a pessimist who would have called it
'Half Empty ST'...

On Fri, Jul 30, 2021 at 9:17 PM Fred Cisin via cctalk 
wrote:

> Yep.
>
> And, it was not appreciated when I suggested an interim release between
> the MT/ST emulator and "Full-ST" to be called "Half Full ST"
>
>
> On Fri, 30 Jul 2021, grif...@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> > Scope Creep.. no telling how many projects died in stalled development.
> >
> > On Jul 30, 2021 16:36, Fred Cisin via cctalk 
> > wrote:
> >
> >   On Fri, 30 Jul 2021, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote:
> >   > Not really--it's very old technology, (1964), of limited
> >   capacity (about
> >   > 20 KB per tape), was a hideously expensive way to buy a
> >   typewriter
> >   > (about USD$7000 in 1964, or about USD$61,000 today), used
> >   almost
> >   > exclusively in large corporate offices to create form
> >   letters and
> >   > documents.  In other words, it was not intended as an
> >   archival medium.
> >   > The effort required in preparing a document was
> >   considerable (one used
> >   > the mini-keypad for various functions).  For a memo, it was
> >   easiest to
> >   > use the typewriter as a typewriter.
> >   > There are more interesting things to look at.
> >
> >   Well, form letters are "important".
> >   But, once microcomputer word processing matured, they could
> >   be done easily
> >   and much better.
> >
> >   An acquaintance was working on creating an emulation of the
> >   MT/ST, as a
> >   way for those who were familiar with the MT/ST and/or
> >   actually liked it,
> >   to be able to continue unchanged on a microcomputer.
> >
> >   But, then he started adding features.  Besides delaying the
> >   completion
> >   until it was no longer relevant, it was suggested that he
> >   change the name
> >   from "MT/ST" (pronounced "empty ST") to "FULL ST".
>

Re: Skew vs. interleave

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Same here.

I've spent many happy hours in 'the good old days' adjusting 'interleave'
of ST512/406 MFM hard disks to find the optimum setting for a particular
system/controller but had never even heard the term 'skew' until 5 or 6
years ago while playing with odd format diskettes, and then it was in the
track offset sense.

So I was surprised that some folks in the S100/CPM world use 'skew' in the
interleave sense, apparently because the CP/M documentation used it that
way. I'm always surprised how a field so dependent on rigid logical
concepts and definitions has so many inconsistencies.

Thanks everyone!

m

On Fri, Jul 30, 2021 at 8:47 PM Paul Koning  wrote:

>
>
> > On Jul 30, 2021, at 5:35 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >
> > There's a small discussion on S100computers about the terms 'skew' and
> > 'interleave'.
> >
> > In CP/M documentation 'skew' refers to what's usually called interleave
> > these days, i.e. offsetting sectors on a track to compensate for the fact
> > that by the time the computer has processed a given sector the next one
> has
> > already passed by, so that the computer has to wait an entire revolution
> > for it to pass by the head again; in other documentation as in Chuck's
> > 22disk for example this is also called 'interleave'.
> >
> > However, in later documentation the meaning of 'skew' seems to have
> changed
> > to refer to the offset of sectors between adjacent tracks to compensate
> for
> > the time required to step the head.
>
> I've only ever seen the term "skew" with that second meaning.  The first
> thing you mentioned in my experience is always called "interleave".  For
> example, the DEC RX50 has 2:1 interleave and 3 sector skew.
>
> Interleave is normally written as the physical sector number difference of
> two logically adjacent sectors (so 2:1 means there is one other sector
> between logical sector 0 and logical sector 1).  In one place (David
> Gesswein's MFM emulator) I've seen it used the other way around, n:1
> meaning that logical sector n is physically immediately after logical
> sector 0.
>
> paul
>
>
>

Skew vs. interleave

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

There's a small discussion on S100computers about the terms 'skew' and
'interleave'.

In CP/M documentation 'skew' refers to what's usually called interleave
these days, i.e. offsetting sectors on a track to compensate for the fact
that by the time the computer has processed a given sector the next one has
already passed by, so that the computer has to wait an entire revolution
for it to pass by the head again; in other documentation as in Chuck's
22disk for example this is also called 'interleave'.

However, in later documentation the meaning of 'skew' seems to have changed
to refer to the offset of sectors between adjacent tracks to compensate for
the time required to step the head.

Can anyone (Fred, Chuck?) shed some light on this apparent double meaning
of 'skew'? And if skew was used to describe sector interleave then what was
the offsetting of sectors between tracks called?

Inquiring minds need to know ;-)

m

Re: DEC Computer Lab for sale

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Sorry, these pins are smaller: .056" - .068'.

m

On Sun, May 30, 2021 at 6:02 PM Vincent Slyngstad <
vincent.slyngs...@gmail.com> wrote:

> On 5/30/2021 1:02 PM, Mike Stein wrote:
> > What's the length and the diameters at each end of the pin? I've got
> > some cables for Burroughs patch panels that might be useful.
>
> The pin diameter at the rounded tip is .093", a standard pin diameter.
> It flares to 0.102" or so, over about 0.34" of length.  The overall pin
> length (including the insulation crimp/strain relief) is about 0.65".
>
> Also measured some patch cords (pin tip to pin tip):
> Brown is 2.75".
> Red is 4.75".
> Orange is 6.75".
> Yellow is 8.75".
> Green is 16.5".
> Subtract about an inch and a quarter for the length of the visible wire.
>
> There was also blue, though I don't have one to measure.  My notes
> remind me that the blue looks about an inch or so longer than green,
> based on the cover photo of the manual. At that length it will
> comfortably reach across the device, whereas the green is just a little
> short for that.
>
> Found in my old notes:
> The DEC 12-03498 was a #41675 taper pin.
> Similar AMP taper pins:
> 42107 "88" series will fit.
> 42279 is similar, though obsolete.
>
> My old notes also suggest higher quantities for the patch cords; 100 of
> them all together:
> B 20
> R 30
> O 25
> Y 20
> G 10
> B  2
>
> Vince
>
> > On Sun, May 30, 2021 at 3:40 PM Vincent Slyngstad via cctalk
> > mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>> wrote:
> >
> > On 5/30/2021 10:54 AM, Ethan Dicks wrote:
> >  > On Sun, May 30, 2021 at 11:42 AM Vincent Slyngstad via cctalk
> >  > mailto:cctalk@classiccmp.org>> wrote:
> >  >> https://so-much-stuff.com/pdp8/computerlab/computerlab.php
> > 
> >  >> The photos get a little bigger if you click them.  Those bits of
> > stamped
> >  >> brass or whatever they are made of were probably pennies each.
> >  >
> >  > I've thought about what it might take to manufacture a pair of
> steel
> >  > rollers that could stamp those out but I haven't gotten very far
> with
> >  > it.  Same idea for the backplane bus strip DEC used to sell on the
> >  > roll.
> >  >
> >  > Depending on level of detail, either a small CNC or possibly a
> wire
> >  > EDM could make the dies.
> >
> > I thought about machining a ram to deform an existing modern pin (or
> > even just tubing) to create the taper.
> >
> > I also tried to cast some out of solder, but they had bubbles and
> > were a
> > little too soft (tin-lead solder).  Also, with a solder connection
> you
> > really need a good strain relief.  At some point it's too much work
> for
> > what you're accomplishing (and still not very authentic).
> >
> >  Vince
> >
>
>

Re: DEC Computer Lab for sale

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

What's the length and the diameters at each end of the pin? I've got some
cables for Burroughs patch panels that might be useful.

On Sun, May 30, 2021 at 3:40 PM Vincent Slyngstad via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On 5/30/2021 10:54 AM, Ethan Dicks wrote:
> > On Sun, May 30, 2021 at 11:42 AM Vincent Slyngstad via cctalk
> >  wrote:
> >> https://so-much-stuff.com/pdp8/computerlab/computerlab.php
> >> The photos get a little bigger if you click them.  Those bits of stamped
> >> brass or whatever they are made of were probably pennies each.
> >
> > I've thought about what it might take to manufacture a pair of steel
> > rollers that could stamp those out but I haven't gotten very far with
> > it.  Same idea for the backplane bus strip DEC used to sell on the
> > roll.
> >
> > Depending on level of detail, either a small CNC or possibly a wire
> > EDM could make the dies.
>
> I thought about machining a ram to deform an existing modern pin (or
> even just tubing) to create the taper.
>
> I also tried to cast some out of solder, but they had bubbles and were a
> little too soft (tin-lead solder).  Also, with a solder connection you
> really need a good strain relief.  At some point it's too much work for
> what you're accomplishing (and still not very authentic).
>
> Vince
>

Re: DEC Computer Lab for sale

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Any way to get a Discord invite?

On Sat, May 29, 2021 at 10:58 AM William Donzelli via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Over on the Discord, I have posted a DEC Computer Lab H-500 for sale.
> Needs cosmetic help, but will be priced accordingly.
>
> Offers? Off list...
>
> --
> Will
>

Re: name/model of HP portable printer? (not HP 2225x) circa 1993

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Yup, cute little printer; want one?

On Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 9:55 PM Stan Sieler via cctalk <
cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Bingo, David nailed it!
>
> (The HP DeskJet Portable)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Stan
>
> On Thu, Mar 11, 2021 at 11:31 PM  wrote:
>
> > How about this...
> >
> > http://www.hpmuseum.net/display_item.php?hw=311
> >
> > David Collins
> > www.hpmuseum.net
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: cctalk  On Behalf Of Stan Sieler
> via
> > cctalk
> > Sent: Friday, 12 March 2021 6:22 PM
> > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <
> > cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> > Subject: name/model of HP portable printer? (not HP 2225x) circa 1993
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > Does anyone remember the product name or number of the tiny HP portable
> > printer (*not* an HP 2225 of any kind!) that probably came out about the
> > same time as the HP Omnibook 300 (1993)?
> > (My google-fu failed me.)
> >
> > IIRC, it was able to print on regular paper 8.5" wide, probably using a
> > thinkjet mechanism.
> > Battery powered, probably black, probably HP-IL interface.
> >
> > I remember coveting one when I got my first Omnibook, but by that time
> > they were off the market and the only one I ever saw wasn't for sale (I
> did
> > borrow it for a few days, it worked well).
> > The use of standard (in the U.S.) paper, plus the tiny size, had be
> > interested in it.
> >
> > thanks,
> >
> > Stan
> >
> >
>

Re: Votrax Type N Talk or PSS, Intextalker, Microvox

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

We had our Votrax T on one of the spare ports of a Cromemco/Cromix system
being used as a mail/BBS system; sort of a talking Caller ID announcing
when various users logged in.

Fun times...

On Tue, Dec 1, 2020 at 8:38 PM Tony Aiuto via cctalk 
wrote:

> Oh.. That brings back memories. We had a Votrax with a serial interface in
> the computer room.
> I configured it as a printer so I could yell into the room..
>
> echo Hey Alan. Look at the console and change the tape to the one requested
> | lpr -Pvotrax
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 1, 2020 at 8:24 PM Robert Stek via cctalk <
> cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> wrote:
>
> > If anyone knows of an available unit (at considerably less than the $500
> > one on eBay), please let me know.  I actually have one SC-01-A and would
> > even take a unit missing the Votrax chip - I understand some units were
> > scavenged for the chip for several video arcade machines which used them.
> >
>

Re: Soldering DB connectors

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Same here. Also works for soldering header pins etc.; stick a matching
connector on the other side of the board and they stay flush and
perpendicular.

On Tue, Nov 10, 2020 at 11:43 PM Ethan Dicks via cctech <
cct...@classiccmp.org> wrote:

> On Tue, Nov 10, 2020 at 1:47 PM Richard Milward via cctalk
>  wrote:
> > Something that's always worked for me: when soldering a male DB
> > connector (DB9, DB25, whatever -- or really any male/pin style
> > connector), plug it into a mating female connector first. That will hold
> > the pins securely in place and prevent them from sagging in the plastic
> > of the body if your soldering iron is too hot or you hold it on too long.
>
> Yep.  Been doing it that way for a lot of years.  Good tip!
>
> -ethan
>

Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Stan Sieler via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2020 4:07 PM
Subject: Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes


> >
>> Mike Stein writes:
>>   > I remember there was another L9000 rescued in California years ago,
>> but maybe that's the one you have now.
>>
> 
> My consulting company was in Redwood City, CA.  Our nextdoor neighbor had a
> company leasing new cars.  They ran the company on a Burroughs L9000.
> 
> About August of 2000, they were at the point where they could no longer
> obtain ledger cards (roughly 8x11 with a magnetic stripe down the side for
> computer data), for the L9000, so they were going to move to a PC-based
> system.
> The owner knew I was a computer collector, so he offered to give me the
> L9000.
> 
> I was tempted...but it was a large machine, so I arranged for it to be
> given to the Computer History Museum (where I was, or became (timeline
> hazy) a senior docent).
> 
> I remember the owner saying that only the cleverness of their independent
> maintenance guy had kept the machine running ... to the point where he'd
> machined some replacement parts himself.
> 
> I talked to the elderly lady who ran the machine (i.e., did the data
> entry).  She compared it to the PC, and lamented the loss of the L9000.
> The L9000 was so much faster and easier to use!  She could probably enter
> data four or five times faster on the L9000.  It wasn't just a matter of
> familiarity ... much of the slowdown was due to the GUI nature of the PC
> program they switched to, and they no longer had the luxury of having
> relatively purpose-related hardware on the L9000.
> 
> Stan
-
If you scroll down to the L9000 there are pictures of the rescue I was thinking 
of, which may well be the system you're talking about and even the lady in 
question:

http://www.picklesnet.com/burroughs/gallery/bpgltc.htm

Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I guess the L series would be considered smaller, different but more or less 
equivalent to the B80.

I thought there was an L4000 and/or an L7000 in a museum out east somewhere; I 
think Bill Degnan would know.

m

- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Thompson via cctech" 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2020 1:35 PM
Subject: Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes


> There is a B800 at the RICM, but nothing larger.
> 
> 
>> On Aug 5, 2020, at 1:00 PM, cctech-requ...@classiccmp.org wrote:
>> 
>> Burroughs L-series paper tapes

Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Al Kossow via cctech" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2020 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes


> On 8/3/20 7:25 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
> 
>> And what about your L9000 (or was it an 8000?) ? Did it also go to the LCM?
>> 
>> Not many left, alas...
> 
> we have an L-9000
> https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X1742.2001
> 
>
-
Looks like both of Bob's went to the LCM; I remember there was another L9000 
rescued in California years ago, but maybe that's the one you have now.

One or two older ones out east (RICM?) but not too many left, especially in 
actual working condition. A shame IMO, an area of computing that's not been 
preserved or even documented very well.

m

Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Bob Rosenbloom via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2020 9:53 PM
Subject: Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes


> On 8/1/2020 10:07 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
>> I've bought a small number of L-series tapes over the years that I 
>> finally read yesterday,
>> mostly pass 1 and 2 of the assembler.
>> Part numbers look like this. Oddly, they all seem to be wound 
>> backwards. The person-readable
>> label is at the end, which will make it annoying to scan.
>>
>> 1-2101-049-01
>> 1-2101-052-07
>> 1-1001-008-07
>> 1-1001-009-07
>>
>> Anyone have any others
> 
> I had a box of tapes for my L-5000, but unfortunately it and the tapes 
> ended up at the LCM so who knows where they are now...
> 
> Bob
-
Sorry to hear it ended up in LCM limbo; did you ever get it working?

And what about your L9000 (or was it an 8000?) ? Did it also go to the LCM?

Not many left, alas...

m

Re: Burroughs L-series paper tapes

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Al Kossow via cctech" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2020 1:07 PM
Subject: Burroughs L-series paper tapes


> I've bought a small number of L-series tapes over the years that I finally 
> read yesterday,
> mostly pass 1 and 2 of the assembler.
> Part numbers look like this. Oddly, they all seem to be wound backwards. The 
> person-readable
> label is at the end, which will make it annoying to scan.
> 
> 1-2101-049-01
> 1-2101-052-07
> 1-1001-008-07
> 1-1001-009-07
> 
> Anyone have any others?
> 
>
---

No descriptions? No idea which model L? Would be interesting to see the dumps, 
esp. the assembler.

I threw out several boxes full, way back before I realized that people were 
actually interested in this old junk, err, these old classic systems.

Guess someone just wound them up as they came out of the machine.

I've been following the recent thread about reading paper tapes and don't see 
why there are any issues?

Assuming you have some kind of reader the interface should be trivial; just 
read them at full speed and manipulate them as needed later on a PC.

Reversing the sequence oughta be really trivial, no? Could even do it with 
Excel ;-)

Or am I missing something?

m

Re: TM848 repair?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Chuck Guzis via cctalk" 
To: "Jim Brain via cctalk" 
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: TM848 repair?


> On 7/13/20 12:18 PM, Jim Brain via cctalk wrote:
>> On 7/13/2020 2:00 PM, Mike Stein wrote:
>>> Shouldn't be too difficult to troubleshoot; have you got the manual?
>>>
>>> Start by checking the 24V > 12V regulator...
>> 
>> As for a manual, I have this:
>> 
>> https://www.scss.tcd.ie/SCSSTreasuresCatalog/hardware/TCD-SCSS-T.20141115.002/Tandon-TM848-Specification-and-Schematic.pdf
>> 
>> 
>> I don't see the VR section in that, though.
> 
> If it's the same document that I have, PDF page 18, second-to-last page
> of schematics, near the bottom, near the legend "DC POWER CONNECTOR"
> 
> --Chuck



Which document is that? I find it on PDF page 85 of the OEM Operating and 
Service Manual TM-848-1 and TM-848-2 Disk Drives, Sheet 4 of 5.

m

Re: TM848 repair?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Shouldn't be too difficult to troubleshoot; have you got the manual?

Start by checking the 24V > 12V regulator...

m

- Original Message - 
From: "Jim Brain via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 2:18 PM
Subject: TM848 repair?


> Anyone on list repair or rehab Tandon TM848 drives? I have a 4 or so of 
> the slimline drives from some Tandy Model 12/16b units that don't seem 
> to spin at all, and I've hooked them up to the same PSU that a TM848E 
> successfully runs on, so I am guessing it's not a PSU issue. (Though, my 
> understanding of 8" drives is extremely minimal, so...)
> 
> If I could get just 2 of them working, that'd put a few 12/16b units 
> back in operation.
> 
> Jim
> 
> -- 
> Jim Brain
> br...@jbrain.com
> www.jbrain.com
>

Re: About to dump a bunch of Compaq SCSI disk caddies (and disks)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Grant Taylor via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2020 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: About to dump a bunch of Compaq SCSI disk caddies (and disks)


> On 7/3/20 3:24 AM, Johan Helsingius via cctalk wrote:
>> Hi!
> 
> Hi,
> 
>> I have a box full of Compaq SCSI server disk caddies (with 9.1G 
>> disks in them). Feels silly to dump them into e-waste recycling, 
>> but there probably isn't much point in shipping them very far either 
>> (I am in Amsterdam).
> 
> /Which/ caddie are they?  Can we see a picture of them?  Both the front 
> visible from outside of the system and the connector(s).
> 
> I'm aware of two major families of caddies (near) that time.  The older 
> type with the drive on a sled with a card edge connector, and the newer 
> type with a frame that clams around the drive (these may have only been 
> SCA).  I believe the older card edge type used 68-pin UW, 50-pin 
> SCSI-II, and maybe SCA connectors.  I think the old card edge type also 
> came in 1/2 height and 1/3 height.  (It might have been the same sled 
> with different lids.
> 
> I suspect that there may be an interested party or three in the sleds. 
> Depending on the health of the drives, there may be interested parties 
> for them too.
> 
> If I needed one of those drives, I'd be willing to pay $1 / GB plus 
> shipping and handling if they were known to be good.  (If I needed them) 
> I would buy them sight unseen if you ran SpinRite level 2 on the drives 
> and said they passed.
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Grant. . . .
> unix || die
-

I've got a bunch of 18GB SCA drives like this on the other side of the pond 
(Toronto) and have been meaning for several years now to set up a box to test 
them; did actually test one with an 80<>68 pin adapter and it worked, but in 
the meantime seem to have misplaced the system I used...

Any interest to make it worth while?

m

Re: Microsoft open sources GWBASIC

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Is nobody going to mention the cute little MC-10 (the only R-S computer I ever 
owned, briefly, aside from the M100), purportedly the cheapest colour-capable 
computer at the time ?

m

- Original Message - 
From: "Jim Brain via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:54 PM
Subject: Re: Microsoft open sources GWBASIC


> On 5/28/2020 12:38 PM, Liam Proven via cctalk wrote:
>>
>>> Yes.  TRS80.
>>>
>>> It had a memory map that was incompatible with CP/M.  BASIC in ROM at the
>>> bottom, and RAM at the top.
>> Which one?
>>
>> As they're purely a theoretical concept to me and AFAIK I've never
>> actually touched one, the profusion of models is very confusing, and
>> I'm  not aware of an idiot's single-para overview.
>>
>> I vaguely know of:
>>   • TRS-80 Model 100 (8085), pre-laptop portable
> Rebadged Kyotronic 85. Was pretty well received in US by journalists 
> and those who needed some computing power on the go.
>>   • Tandy 1000 (PC compatible)
> Yep, there's a whole line (HX, LX, EX, etc.)
>>   • TRS-80 Model 2000 (*before* the 1000?! Also kinda-sorta PC
>> compatible, nearly?)
> Maybe due to other vendors having a "1000" machine, this put Tandy in 
> front. Or, depending on what the Tandy 6000 was introduced, maybe they 
> had a product lineup dreamed...
>>   • TRS-80 Colour, AKA CoCo -- 6809
> Started life as a farming-related Videotex terminal. Pics will show the 
> amazing similarity. Was a joint venture between Motorola and Tandy, and 
> used essentially the 6809 reference design.
>>   • TRS-80 Pocket (no idea)
> These were all rebadged items from other manufacturers (PC-1,II,34, 
> etc..). Went all the way up to 8. But, folks prefer the 2, as it was 
> most expandable, etc.
>>
>> Then there seem to be about 42 different computers called TRS-80 Model
>> X where X is either a Roman or Arabic number under 1000, after which
>> it all changed. Except 2000 comes before 1000. Obviously.
> Al PC compatibles.
>>
>> The TRS-80 Model I, Model II, Model III, Model 4, Model 12, Model 16,
>> etc. I know nothing at all about these but I believe the III ran Xenix
>> on a 68000 and had some resemblance to the Apple Lisa, which would
>> seem to preclude any relation to the Model I & Model II -- and
>> Wikipedia suggests that the Model II is totally different from the
>> Model I.
> 
> IN the beginning, there was the Model 1 (actually, it was called the 
> Micro Computer System at intro. It got back-numbered when the II came 
> out). It was a fat KB shell with a computer board in it (think C64, but 
> less aerodynamic :-) Fred's right, it should be considered a home 
> computer. No color, Z80 1.7MHz (half the 3.59MHz of NTSC TV signal fame).
> 
> FOr the business crowd, TANDY designed the Model II, which is 
> distinctive due to the 8" drives used. In fact, I think it's the only 
> mainstream US computer offered with such drives straight from the 
> factory, though someone will correct me if not.
> 
> Enter the FCC, and the 1981 regulations concerning EMI. The Model I 
> didn't pass muster, so the Model III (which was mainly an extension of 
> the Model I specs, but in a nicely polished case, including monitor and 
> drives. It's what people think of when they remember the TRS-80 
> computers, I think.
> 
> 
>>
>> But it claims the Model III is compatible with the Model I. (Wut?)
> Yep, and the 4 was a follow on from the 3.
>>
>> It very quickly all becomes rather surreal and I rapidly lose track
>> (and interest, TBH.)
> 
>>
>> I suspect a graphic might be needed to disentangle it.
> 
> 
> 
>>
>>
>> So it goes:
>>
>> Model I → Model III → Model 4
> 1-3-4-4p
>>
>> *And*
>>
>> ↘
>>Model 2 → Model 12 → Model 16
> 
> II-16A
> 
> II-12/16B (16B had the card cage)
> 
> I see the 16A and the 12/16B as different sublines, as the II/16A used a 
> passive backplane with cards, while the 12/16B/6000 had a motherboard 
> with the z80 on it, and the card cage was for extensions (and the 68K card).
> 
> Both sublines merged back together with the 6000
> 
> Units were Z80 based, but a 68K daughtercard was sold to enable Xenix. 
> The 6000 has an 8MHz 68K, I think the rest are 6MHz
> 
>>
>> ... ?
>>
>> Where do the VideoGenie and Coco fit in?
>>
> VideoGenie is not a TANDY item (most folks consider it a clone of the 
> Model I), and the Coco was a different home computer line with color.
> 
> 
> -- 
> Jim Brain
> br...@jbrain.com
> www.jbrain.com
>

Re: Odd punched cards

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

If I said 'EPT' anywhere I apologize; I'm talking about PPT (Punched Paper 
Tape) and EPCs (Edge Punched Cards).

Here's a description of a series 'L' system, the successor to the 'E' series, 
containing 

"The reader could be used for loading programs faster.  It could also be used 
for accessing user data from punched paper tape or from edge-punched cards."

http://www.picklesnet.com/burroughs/descriptions/bltc.htm

And pictures of the PPT/EPC perforator and reader (unfortunately the perf 
picture seems to link to the reader so you don't get a full-sized picture) :

http://www.picklesnet.com/burroughs/gallery/bpgltc.htm-

A great (downloadable) book full of pictures and specifications of computers of 
that era is "A Third Survey of Domestic Electronic Digital Computing Systems" 
(one of a series):

https://books.google.ca/books?id=fZg8yAEACAAJ=a+third+survey=en=X=0ahUKEwipiMiBlafpAhWjm-AKHQqcBhAQ6AEINTAC

See P.179 for a well tricked out E101.

Unfortunately people tend to dismiss this class of systems as 'only' accounting 
machines, largely because of their integrated keyboards and printer carriages 
based on the earlier electro-mechanical machines for operator  familiarity, so 
there's little information and discussion about them. 

But they are definitely 'true' computers using the same technology as 
contemporary general-purpose systems, core memory, disk drives, etc., and as 
technology advanced IC memory, high-speed dot-matrix printers etc., and, in the 
latest models, multiple high-speed cassette drive systems used the same way as 
the big brother tape drives and almost as much fun to watch in action.

Sorry for going a little OT; I'll do some digging for those cards...

mike

- Original Message - 
From: "Peter Van Peborgh" 
To: "'Mike Stein'" 
Sent: Saturday, May 09, 2020 6:27 AM
Subject: RE: Odd punched cards


> M,
> 
> An intriguing email. Also leaves me with more questions... And longings!
> 
> My [PVP: ] comments are in your email below.
> 
> Vintage computers forever! Many thanks,
> 
> P
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Mike Stein  
> Sent: 08 May 2020 16:45
> To: Peter Van Peborgh 
> Subject: Re: Odd punched cards
> 
> The systems that I'm familiar with that used EPCs were Burroughs 'E' series
> accounting computers; the readers and perforators handled both PPT and EPCs
> and the cards were a sort of random-access PPT.
> 
> [PVP: ] I am having problems finding info on these two types of cards: EPT
> and EPC. Can you point me in the right direction?
> 
> If you were preparing an invoice, for example, you might have a set of cards
> for the customer name and address and another (possibly different colour)
> set for the line items; you'd enter the quantities and it would be printed
> and punched out on PPT for the accounting functions.
> 
> Still have some cards and the perfs and readers somewhere; must play with
> them one day...
> 
> [PVP: ] This is cruelty to animals! Is there ANY way you could dig up some
> of these EPC and EPT cards for my collection/display? Talk to me about
> postage, etc...
> 
> 
> m
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Peter Van Peborgh" 
> To: "'Mike Stein'" 
> Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2020 3:45 PM
> Subject: RE: Odd punched cards
> 
> 
>> Mike,
>> 
>> 96-column cards I have, thank you.
>> 
>> I used edge-punched cards to record scientific papers' details when I was
>> doing research. Did any get used with computers, do you know?
>> 
>> Many thanks,
>> 
>> peter
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Mike Stein  
>> Sent: 23 April 2020 19:17
>> To: Peter Van Peborgh ; General Discussion: On-Topic
>> Posts 
>> Subject: Re: Odd punched cards
>> 
>> How about 96 column and EPC (Edge Punched) Cards?
>> 
>> - Original Message - 
>> From: "Peter Van Peborgh via cctech" 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2020 2:03 PM
>> Subject: Odd punched cards
>> 
>> 
>>> Guys,
>>> 
>>> I got a positive response about the Port-A-Punch cards so no longer any
>> need
>>> to respond to this one. Very encouraging.
>>> 
>>> Still looking for Jacquard cards and original Hollerith cards. Hope
>> springs
>>> eternal.
>>> 
>>> peter
>>> 
>>> || |  |   || |  |   ||
>>> Peter Van Peborgh
>>> 62 St Mary's Rise
>>> Writhlington  Radstock
>>> Somerset BA3 3PD
>>> UK
>>> 01761 439 234
>>> 
>>> "Our times are in God's wise and loving hands"
>>> 
>>> || |  |   || |  |   ||
>>> 
>>>
>>
>

Re: Odd punched cards

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

How about 96 column and EPC (Edge Punched) Cards?

- Original Message - 
From: "Peter Van Peborgh via cctech" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2020 2:03 PM
Subject: Odd punched cards


> Guys,
> 
> I got a positive response about the Port-A-Punch cards so no longer any need
> to respond to this one. Very encouraging.
> 
> Still looking for Jacquard cards and original Hollerith cards. Hope springs
> eternal.
> 
> peter
> 
> || |  |   || |  |   ||
> Peter Van Peborgh
> 62 St Mary's Rise
> Writhlington  Radstock
> Somerset BA3 3PD
> UK
> 01761 439 234
> 
> "Our times are in God's wise and loving hands"
> 
> || |  |   || |  |   ||
> 
>

Re: Ordering parts onesie twosie

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Chuck Guzis via cctalk" 
To: "Paul Berger via cctalk" 
Sent: Friday, January 03, 2020 11:41 AM
Subject: Re: Ordering parts onesie twosie


> On 1/3/20 5:22 AM, Paul Berger via cctalk wrote:
>  
>> 
>> Rural delivery is done to mail boxes along the roads, which means the
>> people have to travel from their house to said road to get their mail. 
>> We lived on a farm for part of the time I was growing up and for us that
>> was 3/4 of a mile, and that was not uncommon in the area, for some it
>> was even further. Quite different from walking a block, maybe, to a
>> community box.
> 
> That's no different from where I live (US), though my mailbox is only
> about 250 ft. from my house. Packages are delivered to the front door.
> 
> Not a big deal.
> 
> --Chuck
>
-
Canada Post has a little-publicised service called "FlexDelivery", very useful 
for foiling 'Porch Pirates' who follow the trucks and steal those packages left 
at your front door.

Regardless of whether you have your mail delivered to your door or a community 
mailbox you can register for a special free 'virtual' post box address where 
they will email you when a *parcel* arrives and hold it for two weeks for you 
to pick up.

m

Re: FS : IBM Magnetic cards for IBM selectric "compocarte" (?)

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Al Kossow via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 03, 2020 1:15 PM
Subject: Re: FS : IBM Magnetic cards for IBM selectric "compocarte" (?)


> 
> 
> On 1/3/20 1:46 AM, GerardCJAT via cctalk wrote:
>> I think these are pretty rare.
> 
> They were sold by many office supply companies as consumables for the MCST
> I bought a box a while ago on eBay, don't see any right now though.
> 
---

I've got a couple of the drives for those cards somewhere in case someone 
needs/wants one; rollers to feed the card in and out and a solenoid ratchet to 
move the head across track-to-track. Wonder if you could build an 80-column 
card reader out of one... ;-)

Only have one card though ;-)

m

Re: FW: [GreenKeys] DURA Selectric ASR terminals free

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Steve Malikoff via cctalk" 
To: "Jon Elson" ; "General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts" 
Cc: 
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2019 9:15 PM
Subject: Re: FW: [GreenKeys] DURA Selectric ASR terminals free


>> On 12/15/2019 01:19 AM, Dave Wade via cctalk wrote:
>>> I wonder if there is any interest here...
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: greenkeys-boun...@mailman.qth.net  
>>> On Behalf Of John Lawson
>>> Sent: 10 December 2019 17:41
>>> To: greenk...@mailman.qth.net
>>> Subject: [GreenKeys] DURA Selectric ASR terminals free
>>>
>>>
>>> Greetings List!
>>>
>>> I have a couple of "DURA" Selectric ASR terminals.  I also have some 
>>> limited documentation on them. Neither of them work as far as I know. I 
>>> tried to run the one in the pic when I first got it, but it's jammed - so 
>>> on the shelf it went.
>>>
>>> They appear to be an 8-level code, dunno if ASCII, EBCDIC, or what.
>> The punched tape is EIA, I think.  There are diode matrices
>> to convert to the internal Selectric code of rotation and
>> tilt of the ball.  I had one of these hooked to a CP/M
>> system back around 1980, I used it exclusively as a printer.
>>
>> I could likely dig out some code that sent the data to
>> them.  A quick look did not turn up the interface.
>> I seem to recall it had some pretty weird logic levels, PNP
>> Germanium transistors, etc.
>>
>> It is possible to trip too many solenoids at one time and
>> command the rotate or tilt summing levers to exceed the
>> limits of the ball.  That will break bands on the carriage.
>> I had no problem getting replacement parts when I had that
>> happen on mine.  Not too sure Selectric parts are available
>> anymore.
>>
>> Jon
>>
>>
>>> These are joining the ever-expanding list of "Projects Never to be 
>>> Completed", so if anyone is interested, lemme know.
>>>
>>> They are free, you pay shipping, they are about 50 pounds each and will 
>>> require some thoughtful packing.
>>>
>>> Local pickup is happily offered, and I could possibly be bribed into 
>>> delivering them within a day's drive of Carson City (weather permitting).
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheers
>>>
>>> John KB6SCO
>>>
>>> Carson City
> 
> Interfacing the Dura 1041 is very well covered in the book 'THE SELECTRIC 
> INTERFACE A Hands-on Approach' by George Young.
> There are whole chapters on the Dura 1041 printer, encoding the Dura eyboard, 
> interfacting the punch, tape reader and more.
> 
> Steve.

I've got a copy of that book somewhere in case anyone's interested.

m

Re: Is IBM RPG classic?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Chuck Guzis via cctalk" 
To: "Guy N. via cctalk" 
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2019 2:50 PM
Subject: Re: Is IBM RPG classic?


... there are practically *no* people alive who are familiar [with] the EAM 
school of data processing...

---

Hey! We're not *all* dead yet...

m

Re: First Internet message and ...

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Fred Cisin via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 9:51 PM
Subject: Re: First Internet message and ...


> On Tue, 26 Nov 2019, TeoZ via cctalk wrote:
>> The only reason Apple sold so many Apple II's was because some software 
>> designer came out with Visicalc.
> 
> Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston  ("Software Arts")
> They sold it through "Personal Software", who became "VisiCorp"
> http://www.bricklin.com/history/sai.htm
> 
> Frankly, I think that word processing was more responsible than 
> spreadsheet for microcomputer sales.
> But, Apple had a headstart by having both.
> 
> A far from complete and only partially chronological list:
> Electric Pencil  (Michael Shrayer)
> Electric Pencil for CP/M  (with a program to transfer files from Electric 
> Pencil disks to and from CP/M disks)
> Wordstar for CP/M (MicroPro (later WordStar, Inc))
> Easy Writer (Apple II, by John Draper)
> Scripsit (TRS80)
> Electric Pencil for TRS80
> Easy Writer for IBm PC
> Wordstar for PC
> Electric Pencil for PC (Harv Pennington)
> Microsoft Word  (PC and Apple)
> WordPervert
> PC-Write (Bob Wallace)
> 

WordPro, Paper Clip (written by local boys) and PaperMate for the Commodore PET 
(and later for the C64)

Re: "First Internet message" and ...

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Noel Chiappa via cctalk" 
To: 
Cc: 
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2019 3:45 PM
Subject: Re: "First Internet message" and ...


>... Can you please provide a crisp, definitive, technical definition of what an
> 'intranet' is (similar to the one I just provided for 'internet' - "disparate
> networks tied together with packet switches which examine the internet-layer
> headers")?
> ...
> Noel
---
Oh goody; when the "intranet" vs. "an internet" vs. "The Internet" discussion 
finally gets boring we can argue over the meaning and function of "switches" 
vs. "routers" vs. "hubs".

m

Re: Value of Burroughs B9974 disk pack

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Al Kossow via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2019 1:19 PM
Subject: Re: Value of Burroughs B9974 disk pack


> 
> 
> On 6/14/19 10:17 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> On 6/14/19 10:14 AM, Al Kossow via cctalk wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> On 6/14/19 9:57 AM, Alan Perry wrote:


 I have been talking to other folks at CHM about seeing the one there, but 
 need to work on my rationale.
>>>
>>> There really isn't much to see that is in the picture. It's not like the 
>>> system in in one physical location
>>> in storage. Everything is palletized and would have to be brought down from 
>>> the pallet racking.
>>>
>>> I have no way to read the packs. I may still have a drive in my storage, if 
>>> it hasn't already been scrapped
>>> as I've been downsizing over the past several years.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> 
>> I also still have some 19xx series boards since I had wanted to pull the 
>> proms to at least attempt to save
>> enough information so someone could try simulating the machine in the 
>> future. On the list of things to do
>> is try to save some 1700 2315-style 32 sector packs that I should be able to 
>> read if I can ever get back
>> to working on digitizing non 12 sector packs.
>> 
> 
> 
> and read several dozen cold-start and diag cassettes
>
-

Have you got a suitable drive? I've been meaning to read several dozen series 
'L' tapes one of these days.

BTW, a B90 8" drive on eBay, item # 
122904436385

m

Re: Catatonic Rockwell AIM-65

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Eric Smith via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2019 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: Catatonic Rockwell AIM-65


> On Wed, Jun 5, 2019 at 1:15 AM Eric Smith  wrote:
> 
>> I might use those for something else, but I don't think those specific
>> models aret useful for a base AIM-65. The 2332 ROMs in it (or 2532 EPROM
>> are 24-pin devices, and the adapters you linked plug into 28-pin sockets.
>>
> 
> Mike pointed out to me in private email that I was mistaken. I read the
> pages more carefully, and the first adapter he linked to is suitable for
> 24-pin sockets. That looks pretty useful!


Odd; it was meant to go to the list as well but for some reason the return 
address only listed you.

Actually, they both plug into 24-pin sockets; the difference between the two is 
that the 23xx adapter has some extra options, including accommodating 
positive-logic chip selects.

At the risk of repeating what might have been obvious, the main reason I 
mentioned them in this AIM65 context is not only to trivially convert the 2532 
pinout to a 27xx pinout; they do that, although using a 24-pin 2732 instead of 
a section of a larger 28-pin EPROM does require the Vcc jumper.

As mentioned, the 2332 can also be directly replaced with a 2532 EPROM, and an 
MC68764/66 can replace the ubiquitous 24-pin 8KB 2364 type. 

But although they're useful in many systems including Commodore and even the 
IBM PC, they're particularly useful if you're actually using an AIM65:

As mentioned, the AIM65's languages (except Pascal) are each in two 4KB ROMs, 
located in the same memory area and the same two sockets. This is convenient, 
especially considering the small base RAM, but it's a PITA if you want to 
switch, say, from BASIC to FORTH or even the 8K assembler, especially if the 
AIM is in an enclosure.

These adapters let you select among languages with a switch instead of having 
to remove and replace the two ROM chips every time.

BTW, the connections for the NOP generator are:
Pins 29, 31 and 33 to pin 1 (GND)
Pins 26, 27, 28, 30 and 32 to pin 8 (Vcc) 

https://easyeda.com/normal/6502_NOPpcb-ad5f77f0e6c0439f8e08cece619c407e

Hope Rick has it working by now so he can play with it.

Re: Catatonic Rockwell AIM-65

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Rick Bensene via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2019 11:10 PM
Subject: Catatonic Rockwell AIM-65


> Hi, all,
> 
> I recently was given a Rockwell AIM-65 single-board computer in nice physical 
> condition, with the original keyboard and keyboard connector cable.
> I've downloaded all of the documentation that I can find, and have been 
> trying to get it running.

... One of the BASIC ROMs also verified properly, but the other failed the 
verification.  

...  This ROM must have expired somewhere along the way.  I can blast a 2732 
with the proper bits and build an adapter to make BASIC work once I get the 
thing running, and hope that maybe sometime I might find a good blank OTP 2532 
ROM I can blast with the code, or find one already programmed somewhere.
--
If you're going to get/make an adapter to convert the 2532 pinout to the 2732 
JEDEC standard, you might want to consider one of the commercially available 
ones that let you put in up to a 27512; that lets you select any one of the 
available language ROM images (and any of your own) with a switch.

e.g.:
http://store.go4retro.com/23xx-adapter/
or
http://store.go4retro.com/2364-adapter/

Re: Catatonic Rockwell AIM-65

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Sounds like you've covered most of the common issues; a bad RIOT would 
definitely keep it from working and it might be worth while to replace it; if 
it turns out you didn't need it you could build a three-chip SBC with it, a 
6502 and an EPROM  ;-)

If you've got a couple of 40-pin sockets I'd build a NOP generator which 
basically cycles through all the addresses; that will let you check all the 
address and select lines and by checking the signals on the socketed chips 
you'd also check the troublesome single-wipe sockets used on the early boards.

Just bend out the 8 data pins on one socket and plug it into the other one with 
a piece of paper in between to prevent the bent-out data pins from contacting 
the lower socket. Connect the data pins to Vcc and Gnd respectively so as to 
present the 6502 with a permanent NOP ($EA), plug it into the board with the 
6502 inserted on top and watch the address signals on your scope.

Look about 1/3 down this page:
http://www.8bit-homecomputermuseum.at/repair/bluepet/bluepet.html

Coincidentally I'm just about to test and if necessary revive a half-dozen 
AIM65s myself; aside from the 6532 they're actually a pretty straightforward 
design using commonly available parts.

I assume you've found Rich Cini's treasure trove of AIM65 (and other) 
documentation; now that Dave Colglazier's added his collection that is the 
definitive source of AIM65 stuff.

Good luck; they're a fun little machine, especially with some extra memory and 
an RS-232 terminal. The monitor is pretty sophisticated, and having BASIC, A 
(Dis-)assembler, FORTH, PL-65 and even Pascal (with a little futzing) available 
in ROM is really convenient.

Aside from current loop, RS-232 and dual cassettes for I/O there were several 
disk and video interfaces available and I believe an SD-card interface is in 
the works...

m




- Original Message - 
From: "Rick Bensene via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2019 11:10 PM
Subject: Catatonic Rockwell AIM-65


> Hi, all,
> 
> I recently was given a Rockwell AIM-65 single-board computer in nice physical 
> condition, with the original keyboard and keyboard connector cable.
> I've downloaded all of the documentation that I can find, and have been 
> trying to get it running.
> 
> After doing a thorough visual inspection looking for any sign of detritus, 
> especially anything metallic, as well as making sure all of the ICs were 
> seated in the pretty-lame single-wipe sockets, and checking for any obviously 
> cooked or overheated components.   
> 
> Everything looked really nice, and quite clean.  
> All of the required chips were in place, and looked good, including the 6532 
> RIOT, 6520 PIA for the display, and two 6522 VIAs.  All of the LSI's, 
> including the 6502, were Rockwell-made parts, with date codes all within a 
> reasonable time of each other.   
> 
> I checked across the +5V and GND power supply connection points, and found 
> that it wasn't shorted, another decent sign.
> 
> The machine came with all five of the ROM sockets filled with original 
> Rockwell ROMs, including the two-ROM BASIC interpreter, the Assembler ROM, as 
> well as the two Monitor ROMs, all installed in the sockets they should be 
> installed in.The machine had six 2114's (1024x4 static RAM) installed in 
> the lower three banks of user RAM, with two of the sockets unoccupied.  I got 
> two known good 2114's from my stock of parts and installed them in the two 
> empty sockets, so that the machine would be in the 4K of User RAM 
> configuration.
> 
> I understand that the machine can be powered up with only the +5V supply, but 
> the thermal printer will show as "down", as it requires the +24V supply.  The 
> +12/-12 supplies are also not required.   
> 
> I made sure that the RESET switch worked properly, and tested the KB/TTY and 
> RUN/STEP switches operated properly.  I set the KB/TTY switch to KB, and the 
> RUN/STEP switch to RUN.
> 
> I found a power supply that provides +5V at 5A, and tested it out on a dummy 
> load to make sure it was healthy and had clean output, and it was fine.  I 
> connected it up to the +5 and +5 Return (GND) terminals on the power supply 
> input barrier strip, and held my breath, and switched on the power strip that 
> the power supply was plugged into.
> 
> The result.  Absolutely nothing.
> No sign of any activity on the display.
> I didn't expect anything from the printer, because it didn't have its +24V 
> power.
> 
> I left it powered for a little bit, checking for any chips that seemed 
> unusually hot or anything else that seemed amiss, and nothing was obviously 
> upset.   The CPU chip warmed up slightly to the touch, but wasn't at all 
> alarming in terms of its temperature. I pressed the RESET switch a number 
> of times, and it made no difference.   Oh well.
> 
> I powered it off, and pulled the ROM chips out, and decided I'd pop 'em in my 
> ROM programmer 

Re: looking for an old IBM knob from a 609 calculator panel

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

They look like something off an old stove ;-)

- Original Message - 
From: "Bob Rosenbloom via cctalk" 
To: "Electronics Plus" ; "General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts" ; "William Donzelli" 

Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 1:55 PM
Subject: Re: looking for an old IBM knob from a 609 calculator panel




On Tuesday, May 28, 2019, 10:36:10 AM PDT, William Donzelli via cctalk 
 wrote:  
 
 Those knobs look like they are cast pop metal or zinc or something,
not Bakelite.

--
Will
They are metal for sure. Probably cast. They are smooth, though there's a bit 
of corrosion and pitting on them now.There's a set screw at the bottom of the 
back side. 
Dwight suggest casting one. I've never done casting before but this might be a 
good thing to try it on.Would have to drill the shaft and set screw holes 
afterwards, and a bit of finish work to make them smooth.It's a cool panel so 
probably worth the effort if I can't find one out there somewhere...
Bob

On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 1:27 PM Electronics Plus via cctalk
 wrote:
>
> Looks like a standard old Bakelite type knob to me. I pulled a lot from old 
> equipment 30 years ago. I will check to see if any got salvaged.
>
> Cindy
>
> -Original Message-
> From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Bob 
> Rosenbloom via cctalk
> Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 10:57 AM
> To: William Donzelli; General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
> Subject: Re: looking for an old IBM knob from a 609 calculator panel
>
> On 5/28/2019 6:42 AM, William Donzelli wrote:
> > I think that is an IBM specific knob. I will keep an eye out for one,
> > but do not hold your breath! It is certainly not a common knob.
> >
> > Is it for a 1/4 inch shaft?
> >
> > --
> > Will
> Yes, it's a standard 1/4" shaft. Might try and get one 3D printed if I
> can figure out how to draw it.
>
> Bob
>
> > On Mon, May 27, 2019 at 11:41 PM Bob Rosenbloom via cctalk
> >  wrote:
> >> A long shot I know, but I'm looking for an IBM knob that's missing from
> >> a 609 calculator panel I have.
> >> Photos can be seen here:
> >>
> >> http://dvq.com/ibm/ibm-609-pnl1.JPG
> >> http://dvq.com/ibm/ibm-609-pnl4.JPG
> >> http://dvq.com/ibm/ibm-609-pnl5.JPG
> >>
> >> I have no idea if the knob was made by IBM or was a common knob of the
> >> times.
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >>
> >> Bob
> >>
> >> --
> >> Vintage computers and electronics
> >> www.dvq.com
> >> www.tekmuseum.com
> >> www.decmuseum.org
> >>
>
>
> --
> Vintage computers and electronics
> www.dvq.com
> www.tekmuseum.com
> www.decmuseum.org
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>

Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

And I have some in Toronto; Falco, ADM-11 and bits & pieces.

- Original Message - 
From: "Mike Kenzie via cctalk" 
Cc: 
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 11:27 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals


>I have a several in Ottawa as well.  A few different brands, ASR, Dec, VC
> 
> - Richard Loken via cctalk  wrote:
>> On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, ben via cctalk wrote:
>> 
>> > I am building a project that needs to use a Stand alone dumb terminal like 
>> > a 
>> > VT 52 or Similar. Alas I can't find any low cost Hardware Solutions here 
>> > in 
>> > Canada. Low cost with shipping under is $150 Canadian
>> > for me.Software terminal emulation is just a stop gap fix.
>> > Any ideas out there. Even a better search keyword than "dumb terminal"
>> > would help. Ben.
>> 
>> I have a couple Volker-Craigs in the attic doing nothing.  They are a
>> bit newer than a VT52 but they are pretty dumb and I am in Athabasca.
>> You can have them for free, you can get them soon if you come get them
>> yourself.  You can get them later if you wait for me to bring them to you.
>> 
>> Volker-Craigs were built out of TTL in Waterloo, Ontario between 1980
>> and 1985 and they do RS-232.  I probably have the service manual if I
>> look hard.
>> 
>> -- 
>>Richard Loken VE6BSV   : "...underneath those tuques we wear,
>>Athabasca, Alberta Canada   : our heads are naked!"
>>** rllo...@telus.net ** :- Arthur Black
>

Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Richard Loken via cctalk" 
To: "Mike Kenzie" ; "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic 
Posts" 
Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2019 10:42 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals


> On Sat, 23 Mar 2019, Mike Kenzie via cctalk wrote:
> 
>> I have a several in Ottawa as well.  A few different brands, ASR, Dec, VC
> 
> Do you have any Volker-Craig user or service documentation?  Docs from
> Canadian companies seem to disappear in a puff of green smoke.

No VC but I've got some Northern Technologies and Lanpar/Microterm docs 
somewhere.

Also Burroughs TD800, various Falcos.

Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Bill Gunshannon via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals


On 3/23/19 12:07 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
> 
> - Original Message -
> From: "ben via cctalk" 
> To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
> Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 5:02 AM
> Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals
> 
> 
>> On 3/23/2019 2:41 AM, Henk Gooijen wrote:
>>> Would this be useful?
>>>
>>> http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
>>>
>>> Henk, PA8PDP
>>
>> It would be if it had RS232 rather than TTL? outputs.
>> To source all that stuff with the high price of USA to Canada shipping
>> it would be about $150? Canadian as a guess.
>   
> 
> I'm just about to build one of those; looks like the cost will be more like 
> C$40.00 including 9 extra PCBs.
> 
> As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V 'pseudo-RS-232' which usually 
> works in my experience, but if you need 'true' RS-232 there are tiny 
> TTL<>RS-232 adapters on eBay for < $2.00
> 
> I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add something

Where does one get the board?  Are you planning to offer any
of your extras for sale?  I could definitely use one or two
of them.

bill
-
The Gerber files are in the 'construction pack' at the bottom of the linked 
page; the readme.txt and errata.jpg should probably be removed before sending 
to a PCB house.

But I'll happily send you one or two boards once they get here; just ordered 
them a week ago. Maybe Rich also has a couple spare.

m

Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "ben via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2019 5:02 AM
Subject: Re: Only never in Canada - dumb terminals


> On 3/23/2019 2:41 AM, Henk Gooijen wrote:
>> Would this be useful?
>> 
>> http://geoffg.net/terminal.html
>> 
>> Henk, PA8PDP
> 
> It would be if it had RS232 rather than TTL? outputs.
> To source all that stuff with the high price of USA to Canada shipping
> it would be about $150? Canadian as a guess.
 

I'm just about to build one of those; looks like the cost will be more like 
C$40.00 including 9 extra PCBs.

As to RS-232, it can provide TTL or 0-3.3V 'pseudo-RS-232' which usually works 
in my experience, but if you need 'true' RS-232 there are tiny TTL<>RS-232 
adapters on eBay for < $2.00

I believe Rich Cini built one; maybe he can add something

m

Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Chuck Guzis via cctalk" 
To: "Mike Stein via cctalk" 
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2019 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?


> At the expense of being boo-ed for this, could the original Rockwell
> stuff perhaps have been assembled using a mainframe/mini-hosted
> cross-assembler?
> 
> I'm aware of several situations where this was the case.
> 
> --Chuck

That's quite possible; it's unlikely that they used one of the RM65/AIM65 
assemblers, but I couldn't find any reference in the brief description of the 
Macro Assembler regarding what system it ran on.

m

Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Will Cooke via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" ; 
"Glen Slick" 
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2019 7:54 AM
Subject: Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?



> On March 21, 2019 at 4:47 PM Will Cooke via cctalk  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> > On March 21, 2019 at 4:20 PM Glen Slick via cctalk  
> > wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > Anyone know what 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor
> > ROM, as shown in the AIM-65 Monitor Program Listing manual, document
> > number 29650N36L ?
> 
> I would suspect it was the Rockwell System 65 Development System assembler 
> mentioned in this book:
> 
> 
> https://www.commodore.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1981_Rockwell_Electronic_Devices_Division_Data_Book.pdf
> 
> on page 295
> 


On further investigation I found this line on Rich Cini's site:

I also recently received recompilable copies of the AIM monitor ROM in an A65 
version and a TASM version. Here's a cached copy of A65 v1.04, the assembler 
used for the A65 source files. The TASM files can be compiled using the 
Telemark table assembler (TASM) from Squak Valley Software. My personal 
preference is TASM, which I use for all of my 6502- and 8080-based 
cross-assembly projects.


Here's the link: http://www.classiccmp.org/cini/systems.htm#RWS
So perhaps the A65 assembler  listed there is the correct one?

-Will
---
I'd be surprised; I think it's more likely that they used the R6500 Macro 
Assembler you linked to in your previous post.

There was also an R6500 Software Preparation System (SPS) but it's much more 
limited; looking through the manual I don't see any mention of macros and there 
are only 4 .OPTs vs. the 18 in the Macro Assembler.

m

Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I assume you've looked at RM65-dos.zip on Rich Cini's site?

http://www.classiccmp.org/cini/systems.htm

- Original Message - 
From: "Glen Slick via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2019 1:09 AM
Subject: Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?


> On Thu, Mar 21, 2019 at 3:23 PM Mike Stein  wrote:
>>
>> I can't help but I'm curious: why are you looking for this? Is there a lot 
>> of original Rockwell source out there?
>>
> 
> I have some Rockwell RM-65 cards which have on-board firmware. In
> particular a RM65-5101E FDC Controller and a RM65-5102E CRT
> Controller. It would be nice to have verified accurate machine
> readable source code for the firmware on these cards. One way to get
> that would be to manually type in verbatim the firmware source code
> from the assembly listings in the manuals, then assemble the source
> code, and then compare the resulting binary against the contents of
> the EPROMs on the cards to verify a binary match.
> 
> The source code could always be reformatted to match the input syntax
> of a different assembler, but from a historical documentation
> perspective it would be nice if the original source code format was
> preserved.
> 
> Dwight, I saw some posts from you from maybe last year where you were
> looking for a manual for the RM65-1000 / RM65-1000E CPU board. Did you
> ever find a copy or scan of that manual?
> 
> Does anyone have an AIM-65 DOS EPROM for the RM65-5101 / RM65-5101E
> FDC Controller? From a quick look at a hex dump of the firmware EPROM
> I have on my RM65-5101E FDC Controller it appears to match the low
> level primitives assembly listing in the 29801 N02 manual for the card
> 0x886C - 0x8EFF, except the copyright string is missing at the end.
> I'm not sure about the rest of the code in the FDC Controller EPROM.
> It might be something specific to the system where this card was being
> used, and not the standard AIM-65 DOS code. It would be nice to have a
> copy of the standard AIM-65 DOS EPROM to try using the RM65-5101E FDC
> Controller with an AIM-65. I have an extender board and cable to
> connect an AIM-65 to a RM65 Eurocard card cage.

Re: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

I can't help but I'm curious: why are you looking for this? Is there a lot of 
original Rockwell source out there?

m

- Original Message - 
From: "Glen Slick via cctalk" 
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2019 4:20 PM
Subject: What 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor ROM?


> Anyone know what 6502 macro assembler was used for the AIM-65 Monitor
> ROM, as shown in the AIM-65 Monitor  Program Listing manual, document
> number 29650N36L ?
> 
> Some of it's identifying features are using .BYT and .WOR (or .WORD)
> directives for declaring data, and .MACRO and .ENDM directives for
> declaring macros. Use of the macro directives can be seen in the
> RM65-5101 Floppy Disk Controller (FDC) Module User's Manual, document
> number 29801N02
> 
> There are countless 6502 assemblers available now, the exercise here
> is to identify the macro assembler that was used at the time. If it is
> available to run now the goal would be to run it to assemble source
> code exactly in the format that it used and produce identical listing
> output. (Modifying the source code to be accepted by a different
> assembler to produce identical binary output is not the goal of the
> exercise).

Re: George Keremedjiev

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "geneb via cctalk" 
To: "ED SHARPE" ; "General Discussion: On-Topic and 
Off-Topic Posts" 
Sent: Thursday, November 22, 2018 11:45 AM
Subject: Re: George Keremedjiev


> On Wed, 21 Nov 2018, ED SHARPE via cctalk wrote:
> 
>> not much adjustments... may be easier if you just bypass my messages?
>>
>> Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
>>
> Maybe it's because many of us don't use a point-and-drool interface that 
> would give the user the chance to skip the message before being forced to 
> read it.
> 
> Look, I get that you've decided that hundreds of people are wrong and it's 
> not your fault.  How about we work on getting you to stop top posting 
> instead? ;)
> 
> g.
> 
> 

And proofreading a bit before pressing 'send'...

Re: Battery warning in Falco terminals

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

Al,

If you're looking for a service manual for that HP2624 you might have a look at 
the manual for the MAI 4309; it's the same board with a few minor differences 
(memory) and different firmware.

And of course it's on bitsavers ;-)

mike

Re: Battery warning in Falco terminals

[Mike Stein via cctalk]

- Original Message - 
From: "Al Kossow via cctalk" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2018 7:44 PM
Subject: Re: Battery warning in Falco terminals


> 
> 
> On 11/20/18 12:33 PM, Mike Stein via cctalk wrote:
> 
>> BTW, what's the story on Richard in SLC; is there a new address for the 
>> Terminal Wiki?
>> 
> 
> https://terminals-wiki.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
> 
>

That address consistently returns "This site can't be reached."

BTW, for some reason I get some of your (Al's) posts _after_ I've received 
replies to them, sometimes almost a day later; very confusing. It seems to be 
related to the fact that some of your posts are addressed to 
'cctalk@classiccmp' while others are addressed to 'General Discussion'.

Am I the only one to whom that happens? Any idea why?